SARS suspends Jonas Makwakwa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has suspended Jonas Makwakwa, second in charge at the tax agency. This follows reports earlier this week of suspicious deposits into Makwakwa’s personal bank account since 2010 amounting to R1.2 million.

Following reports that Makwakwa had been suspended, David Maynier, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister of Finance, said: “We welcome the news that South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Tom Moyane, has suspended the Chief Officer of Business, Individual Taxes and Digital Information Systems, Jonas Makwakwa, who allegedly received ’suspicious and unusual payments’ in the amount of R1.2 million between 2010 and 2016.”

However, Maynier has noted with concern the time taken for Moyane to take action against Makwakwa. According to Maynier, the issue regarding Makwakwa finances was raised with Moyane at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance on 23 August.” We must now determine whether, in dealing with this matter, Tom Moyne, acted correctly and in the best interests of the South African Revenue Service.”

In a statement released by National Treasury on Thursday, it stated: “The Ministry of Finance notes the suspension of the senior official at SARS that is reported in the media. National Treasury has not been formally informed yet (13:25). However, National Treasury met with Mr Moyane and another senior official this week to discuss the matter. We are awaiting further information on the action that is to be taken by the senior management of SARS in this matter.

“National Treasury believes that public confidence and transparency are critical in order to be seen to be doing the right thing in this matter.”

SARS was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

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