Middelburg, Mpumalanga – Five individuals have been found guilty and sentenced by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, for fraud and multiple counts of violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The case involved fraudulent tax returns and money laundering, leading to various suspended sentences and restitution orders.

The convicted individuals include George Pilato Mabuza (56) and Samaria Charity Mabuza (55), directors of Mabuza Mshengu Construction cc, along with Thobile Hemalt Malandule (34) and Ngizimane Thomas Mabuza (48). The charges stem from fraudulent activities dating back to March 2018, where George and Samaria Mabuza submitted false tax returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), falsely claiming foreign tax credits. This fraudulent activity resulted in a financial loss of R 203,711.66 to SARS, which was funneled through their company’s business account.

Further investigations revealed that R 70,000 of the illicit gains were transferred to Thobile Malandule’s personal account and R 65,000 to Ngizimane Mabuza’s account, both of whom are family members of George and Samaria Mabuza. The case was thoroughly investigated by the Hawks, leading to their arrest and subsequent prosecution.

George Pilato Mabuza was sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud, wholly suspended for five years on the condition of no further fraud or theft convictions during the suspension period. He also received a six-year suspended sentence for POCA violations, contingent upon repaying R 68,711.66 to SARS and avoiding further contraventions of Sections 4, 5, & 6 of POCA. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.

Charges against Samaria Charity Mabuza were withdrawn under a plea agreement, as George Pilato Mabuza accepted full responsibility. The company, Mabuza Mshengu Construction cc, was fined R 100,000 for fraud and another R 100,000 for POCA violations, both fines being wholly suspended for five years on the condition of no further infractions.

Thobile Hemalt Malandule was sentenced to six years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, provided she repays R 70,000 to SARS and avoids further POCA violations. Similarly, Ngizimane Thomas Mabuza received a six-year suspended sentence for POCA violations, contingent upon repaying R 65,000 to SARS and avoiding further infractions. Major General Gerber, Provincial Head, commended the collaborative efforts of the Hawks Investigating Officer Captain Meyer, the National Prosecution Authority, SARS, and State Prosecutor Advocate Shongwe. He emphasized that the community should take note that crime does not pay and warned that the Hawks will continue to pursue justice without fear or favor. The collaborative approach ensures that proceeds of crime are recovered and victims are compensated, serving as a stern warning