MPUMALANGA – The Hawks in Mpumalanga have arrested three accused persons in connection with alleged fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Administration Act, resulting in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) suffering prejudice of R1,806 252-95.
The accused, Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena (33), Thabiso France Motsoeneng (32) and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena (28), were arrested on 29 September 2026 after members of the Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) executed warrants of arrest.
The investigation follows a complaint lodged by SARS. It is alleged that Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, of which Thandiwe Mokwena is a director colluded with the two accused and one outstanding suspect when submitting fraudulent tax returns for the period 2019 to 2021. The company also allegedly submitted fraudulent VAT returns for the same period in order to claim VAT refunds from SARS.
The alleged misrepresentation resulted in SARS suffering total prejudice of R1,806,252-95.
The accused appeared before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court, where all three were granted bail of R7,000 each. The matter was postponed to 28 October 2026, pending the arrest of accused number four.
The investigation is being conducted by the Hawks’ Middelburg SCCI.