Six years behind bars for Gauteng company director in R3.6 Million SARS fraud case
SARS secured a six-year direct prison sentence, with two years suspended, for Tshepo Khoza, a director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.
Image: File photo.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and various law enforcement agencies, has secured a six-year direct prison sentence, with two years suspended, for Tshepo Khoza, a director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.
Khoza was found guilty on three counts of fraud, with one count classified under Schedule 5, indicating its serious nature, in addition to a count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT), a violation of the Tax Administration Act.
IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the case revolves around fraudulent tenders linked to the South African Police Service (SAPS) related to the DNA project under the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit.
The investigation, part of a broader initiative known as Project Blue Lights, unveiled troubling connections, revealing that Khoza leveraged his familial ties to a senior SAPS official to secure these lucrative contracts.
Mamothame said that between 2015 and 2018, Khoza's company raked in approximately R3.6 million, yet he falsely claimed that the business was dormant, failing to declare this income to SARS.
He added that the trial, which is ongoing, will convene again on February 22, 2026, at which time Khoza will face additional charges alongside other implicated individuals.
Meanwhile, the 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,” said Kieswetter.
IOL