Utimile Mike Chubisi (41) appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Friday, 29 January 2021 facing charges of contravening the Tax Administration Act.
In 2019 the South African Revenue Services (SARS) uncovered Chubisi’s fraudulent activities that cost the receiver of revenue in excess of R3.5 million.
The matter was then reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein.
Chubisi was arrested and initially appeared in court on Wednesday, 29 May 2019 and then made several follow up appearances until his recent conviction on Friday, 29 January 2021.
The court has convicted Chubisi and sentenced him as follows: R1 million or 12 months imprisonment of which is suspended for 5 years, on condition that he doesn’t commit the same offence for a period of the suspended sentence.
The counterfeit fuel cards allegedly used by the men.
Supplied Hawks
They were consequently charged for at least two transactions at eMalahleni garages in January. They were arrested in court following their appearance for the earlier alleged offence. During the investigations, it was found that they had [allegedly] fraudulently created counterfeit fuel cards under two different companies. The fraudulent transactions amount to just over R110 000, Sekgotodi said.
The case against the men was postponed to 3 February for further investigation. The suspects remain in custody.
Did you know you can comment on this article?
Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
Zim Man Fined R40 000 in SA for Smuggling Cigarettes
December 22, 2020
Walter Madhongi was arrested by South Africa’s specialised crime unit, the Hawks, in October this year.
The South African police are cracking down on crime around Limpopo province under an operation code name “Zizo Jika Izinto” (Things will change). Over 5 000 people have been arrested across Limpopo province since the start of the operation on 16 November, for crimes including, border jumping, smuggling, drug peddling, armed robberies, and murder among others. Madhongi was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the charges of dealing in illicit cigarettes last Friday afternoon.
Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the man has been in remand prison since his arrest on October 20, after failing to secure bail on several occasions.