EASTERN CAPE- The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of East London arrested Thembile Mbalo(57) and his company Themba Cartage and Construction cc on 13 May 2021 for alleged charge of fraud.
It is alleged that Mbalo as the director of Themba Cartage and Construction cc, on 22 July 2013, submitted to South African Revenue Services (SARS) Input VAT return claims to value of more than R233 000.The payment was made to the claimant after the assessment of the Input Vat refund claim.
It is further reported that subsequent to the payment of the Input VAT refund, the tax status of the accused’s company was subjected to audit and it was discovered that the invoices which were submitted for claiming purposes were forged since the supplies mentioned therein were never received.
SARS lodged a complaint with East London Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for further probing which culminated in the arrest of Mbalo and his company Themba Cartage and Construction cc on 13 May 2021.The duo is said to have made a short appearance in East London Magistrate court on the very same day and got released on warning.
The fraudulent claim prejudiced SARS cash to the value of more than R233 000.
The matter is remanded for 01July 2021.
