Pretoria - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has instituted an investigation into allegations about impropriety involving South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Oupa Magashula.
This after media reports emerged that the commissioner was recorded allegedly offering an associate of a drug dealer a job.
“I have decided to institute a thorough investigation of the matter. After consultations with the Minister of Justice [Jeff Radebe], I will appoint a retired judge to establish whether there was any breach of SARS processes, good governance, the nature of any possible indiscretion and to advise on appropriate remedies where breaches may have occurred,” said Gordhan in a statement.
Gordhan emphasised that the young chartered accountant (with whom the commissioner allegedly spoke) did not supply SARS with her CV and she was never employed by the revenue service.
“From the facts available, it is not evident that there has been a fundamental breach of SARS processes.”
Additionally, the minister said that it had become evident in recent times that some taxpayers that find themselves in difficulties because of their non-compliance with South African tax and customs laws were increasingly relying on bullying tactics against SARS officials to prevent the pursuit of investigations as prescribed by the law.
“I wish to send a categorical message to those taxpayers who resort to these bullying tactics that their methods will not succeed. SARS officials will implement tax and customs laws without fear or favour. All South Africans must pay their fair share of taxes,” said Gordhan. - SAnews.gov.za
