Tax practitioner’s court visit ends in another fraud arrest
MTHATHA — A tax practitioner appearing in court on a separate matter was arrested by the Hawks over an alleged scheme that caused SARS financial prejudice exceeding R9.6 million. Francis Muleso, 45, was apprehended at KuGompo City Magistrates’ Court on 26 October before appearing in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where he received R50,000 bail.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Muleso allegedly submitted nil income tax returns for a close corporation despite it generating taxable income. The allegations concern declarations made between March 2016 and March 2020. SARS identified irregularities and referred the matter to investigators.
Banking records examined
Investigators compared the business’s banking records with its tax declarations. They allege that output VAT was understated by more than R2.7 million and input tax claims overstated by more than R6.1 million, resulting in VAT-related prejudice of approximately R8.85 million. The total exceeds R9.6 million when income tax is included.
The allegations remain unproven, and the reports reviewed do not include Muleso’s response. The Hawks say further arrests are expected. The case returns to court on 18 January 2027.
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