TAX CHEAT JAILED

CONVICTED fraudster and former tax practitioner John Bantam, 44, has been sentenced to five years in jail for 121 counts of fraud.

While employed by Barishman Cloete and Associates Incorporated, Bantam, unbeknown to his employer, completed income tax returns on behalf of 28 taxpayers, and claimed fraudulent refunds.

The Cape Town Regional Court heard how Bantam registered taxpayers via e-filing and claimed losses, inflated medical expenses and deductions for retirement annuity fund contributions.

State prosecutor from the Specialised Tax Unit, advocate Lunga Ntshokoma, said when the SA Revenue Service (Sars) asked for supporting documentations, Bantam generated fictitious statements.

“For each refund Bantam was paid a percentage. Some of the money was paid into his wife’s bank account and some in cash. As a result, Sars paid out R690 455 to the 28 taxpayers. He received R41 517.”

His sentencing came days after a Bellville father and son were jailed for tax fraud. Last week Thomas Fortuin, 66, from Ridgeworth in Bellville, was sentenced to six years in jail on 236 charges of fraud and forgery relating to the tax affairs of close corporations belonging to members of his family.

Fortuin’s son, Tom-Ross Fortuin, 35, and the bookkeeper, Ivor Carlo Carolissen, 38, entered into a pleabargain and were both sentenced to four years in jail, suspended for five years. |