Probe into Sars boss ongoing – commissioner

Criminal and disciplinary investigations into suspended South African Revenue Service (Sars) top executive Jonas Makwakwa have yet to be concluded, parliament’s watchdog on public accounts (Scopa) has been told.

Grilling members of the anticorruption task team, which includes various government compliance and law enforcement agencies, MPs were yesterday eager to know from Sars commissioner Tom Moyane how far an investigation relating to several suspicious cash deposits into Makwakwa’s bank accounts had progressed. Moyane said the investigation into Makwakwa had two legs – an internal disciplinary process and a criminal investigation by the specialised organised crime fighting unit, the Hawks.

“We are due to get a report from the lawyers responsible for this [disciplinary] process finalising the matter by midJune,” Moyane said, referring to a private law firm that has been contracted to help Sars with its internal probe.

Moyane did not give a timeline on when the disciplinary process would get underway, but said Sars would not take the “short route”.

He conceded the matter had caused considerable damage to Sars’ reputation.

Hawks acting head Yolisa Matakata told MPs the criminal probe was continuing and assured them it would be finalised timeously.

“The matter is getting attention. We are looking at a few statements to finalise the investigation. The matter will be finalised within this year.”

Moyane suspended Makwakwa in September last year after Sars was alerted to the suspicious payments. – ANA