The tenth South African Revenue Service (SARS) official, Mogorosi Benedict Motelesi (40), has been arrested in connection with fraud worth over R600 million. He appeared alongside co-accused Boitshoko Perseverance Mashodi (38), Elvin Wilson (40), Phakama Ndothayisa (36), Xatyiswa Zona (42), Selvin Derison (36), Motlalepule Tes Modise (38), Siphiwe Sedibeng (36), Lwazi Simelani (35) and Nomvakaliso Modolomba (33) before the Ladybrand Magistrates’ Court on 15 July 2024 facing charges of fraud, money laundering, contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011, contravention of Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and contravention of Prevention of Organized Crime Act 121 of 1998.
It is alleged that the employees were stationed at Ficksburg Bridge, Maseru Bridge, and Vanrooyenshek Bridge where they facilitated 333 transactions to the amount to R653 500 455.28. All identified transactions were imported consignments/cargo (textile) in bond (Removal in Bond) from the Durban port of entry to be exported.
Seven of the accused were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team on 6 and 7 June 2024. They were joined by two more suspects for their first court appearance in the Ladybrand Magistrates’ Court on 10 June 2024. All suspects are out on bail ranging between R1500-00 and R5000-00.
The matter is transferred to the Bloemfontein Regional Court for trial on 12 August 2024.