MPUMALANGA – Ramaesela Martha Mphahlele (43), was arrested by the Middelburg based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Thursday, 3 October 2024, as additional accused. The arrest follows after warrant of arrest was authorised during the court appearance of the main accused Daniel Maluleke (56), on Friday, 27 September 2024 at Vaalbank Magistrates Court for Fraud.
Investigation by the Hawks, revealed that Ramaesela Martha Mphahlele, registered with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), as a value added tax vendor. She was further registered with the South African Revenue Services (SARS e-filing services). Mphahlele colluded with Daniel Maluleke who was arrested on 27 September 2024, and submitted value added tax returns for the different (Value Added Tax) VAT reference numbers to South African Revenue Services (SARS). Information supplied in the returns resulted in the refund being generated. A total amount of R293 958.33 of the refund generated was deposited into the both accused’s bank accounts. South African Revenue services (SARS) suffered actual prejudice in the sum of R 293 958.33
Mphahlele and Maluleke appeared before the Vaalbank Magistrates court on Thursday, 3 October 2024. Maluleka was granted R5000 bail, while Mphahlele was released on warning. The case was postponed to 05 November 2024 and transferred to Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court pending the arrest of the last suspect.
Investigation is continuing
What is Fraud? “Fraud” is any activity that relies on deception in order to achieve a gain. Fraud becomes a crime when it is a “knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment” (Black’s Law Dictionary). In other words, if you lie in order to deprive a person or organization of their money or property, you’re committing fraud.