Trial resumes: High-profile tax fraud case tied to SAPS corruption scandal
SARS officials take the stand in the R19 million tax fraud trial linked to the SAPS ‘blue lights’ case.
Image: Ziphozonke Lushaba / Independent Newspapers
The Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the high-profile tax fraud trial involving Vimpie Phineas Manthata, his company Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement, and a co-accused, Judy Rose, to Thursday.
The case, which is closely watched due to its links to the infamous “blue lights” SAPS corruption scandal, resumed this week with explosive testimony from officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Manthata and Rose are facing charges of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act, stemming from alleged irregularities during the 2018/2019 tax assessment period involving an estimated R19 million.
Rose, employed as a bookkeeper at the company, is accused of being a direct accomplice.
According to the Investigating Directorate’s spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, the state opened its case on Monday with testimony from a senior SARS official.
“The second witness from SARS took the stand prior to the adjournment and is expected back in court to be cross-examined by the defence attorney,” said Mamothame.
In addition to the tax-related charges, the accused are also implicated in a separate corruption case involving an alleged irregular R191 million contracts awarded by the South African Police Service.
Mamothame confirmed that both Manthata and Rose are currently out on R10 000 bail each.
“The court warned them to be back when the trial resumes,” he added.
The trial continues Thursday, where further cross-examinations and state witnesses are expected to shed more light on both the financial misconduct and its connection to the broader SAPS corruption saga.
IOL News