Claims of R16 million were allegedly fraudulently submitted by the accused to the South African Revenue Service as VAT refunds
FOUR accused who allegedly submitted fraudulent VAT returns on behalf of Pantsi’s Construction and Plant Hire closed corporation (CC) were released on bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Abrahams Oliphant, 57, Sonnyboy Godfrey Ramathe, 37, Mathobela Senane, 40, and Aubrey Mokgobi Moeng, 43, as well as the closed corporation, were charged with nine counts of fraud.
Senokoatsane said claims of R16 million were allegedly fraudulently submitted by the accused to the South African Revenue Service (Sars) as VAT refunds between February 14, 2018 and October 30, 2018.
“The accused were unable to provide any supporting evidence to substantiate the claims. The revenue service initiated an audit where it was discovered that the claims were fraudulent. A case was opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and investigations started during 2021.”
Senokoatsane added that the accused made their first appearance in court on February 24.
“They were all released on bail, where Oliphant and Ramathe received bail of R20,000 each. Senane was granted bail of R15,000 and Moeng was released on bail of R10,000.”
Senokoatsane indicated that the matter has been remanded until March 17 to arrange for legal representation, further investigations and possible additional arrests.
