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OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Thembalethu Regional Court convicted and sentenced Mzwanele Major Sekopo (49), Ndileka Precious Mfunda (56) and Major General Trading Company. The conviction was imposed on 23 May 2023 followed by the sentencing on 26 January 2024.
It is alleged that the accused worked on contract basis for municipalities in Oudtshoorn, Ventersdorp and Plettenberg Bay respectively. Major General Trading CC inflated claims on behalf of various municipalities to SARS in order to receive 25% commission on the inflated VAT input. The Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation probed the matter hence the conviction and sentencing.
Accused 1 and 2 which is Major General CC and Mzwanele Sekopo were sentenced to a fine of R4 000 each.
Sekopo was sentenced for Contravention of Section 104 of Income Tax Act on counts 47 to 49, all counts taken together for purpose of sentence, to 3 years imprisonment or R30 000. Half of the sentence is suspended for 5 years on conditions.
For Contravention of Section 59, Sekopo and Major General Trading CC were sentenced to R10 000 or 24 months imprisonment of which R 5 000 and 12 months is suspended for 5 years on conditions.
Mfunda was sentenced for Contravention of Section 59, all counts taken together to R5 000 or one year imprisonment.
Major General Trading CC sentenced to a total fine of R9 000. Sekopo will effectively serve two and a half years imprisonment or R20 000 fine and further pay R4 000. Mfunda will effectively serve one year imprisonment or pay a fine of R5 000.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, commended the investigation team for their remarkable efforts in the investigation of these matters and ensuring that justice prevails.
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