Company Director Facing Corruption charges was today sentenced to Ssix years direct imprisonment for defrauding SARS.
Director Tshepo Khoza of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, was found guilty on three counts of fraud, one of which falls under Schedule 5 category (serious crimes) and one count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in contravention of section 234 of the Tax Administration Act.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and other law enforcement agencies were successful to put behind bars Khoza for tax fraud after he was linked to systemic corruption within state procurement processes.
The conviction followed the extensive investigations under Project Blue Lights, which uncovered that Grey Apple Trading Enterprise received tenders from the South African Police Service (SAPS) linked to the DNA project that resided under forensic science laboratory.
The tenders were awarded due to Khoza’s family relationship with a senior SAPS official.
This was despite the fact that Khoza was earning approximately R3.6 million between 2015 and 2018.
Khoza falsely declared the company to be dormant and failed to declare income to SARS.
The corruption trial for other people who are charged with Khoza will resume on 22 February 2026.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter together with IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson acknowledged the teamwork that led to this conviction, reinforcing the public’s trust in joint efforts to uphold tax compliance and fight corruption.
“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and, ultimately, from the millions of South Africans who depend on government services for education, healthcare and social support. Every rand stolen through fraudulent schemes undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
“SARS will not tolerate such conduct. We will pursue every case relentlessly, and those who choose to defraud the system must know that accountability is certain and justice will prevail,” he said.