Businessmen get 4yrs each for tax evasion

MANZINI – Two Asian nationals have been sentenced to four years imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of E4 000 each, for evading tax.

Chaudhiy Zubar, a 50-year-old Asian from Matsapha, appeared before Magistrate Justice Mzizi. He faced two counts under the Income Tax Order and one under the Value Added Tax.

However, the Crown withrew count three.

According to the charge sheet, in count one, Zubar who is the Director of Car Point (PTY) LTD purportedly evaded assessment or taxation and made a false statement of entry by under declaring revenue in income tax return for the year 2019.

Revenue

It was stated that he did this while knowing very well that the company had received more revenue and thus contravened the order.

This happened upon or about November 19, 2021.

In mitigation, the accused person’s defence stated that he was a first-time offender and a businessman who was operating a car dealership.

It was further mentioned that he pleaded guilty to the offences, which was an indication of being remorseful. He implored the court to pass a lenient sentence.

He was sentenced to E2 000 fine or two years imprisonment in the first count and the same for the second count. The sentences are to run concurrently.

In the same breath, Ali Asif Pak of Ratain Flats was charged twice for contravening the Income Tax Order.

The accused was said to have failed to show in any return made by him, any portion of the gross income received by or accrued to or in favour of himself.

This happened in Matsapha upon or about June 2021.