EMALAHLENI – Three people have been arrested in Mpumalanga and granted bail of R7,000 each following an investigation into an alleged tax fraud and money-laundering scheme that reportedly caused the South African Revenue Service (SARS) financial losses of more than R1.8 million.
Thandiwe Patricia Mokwena (33), Thabiso France Motsoeneng (32) and Sfiso Doctor Mokwena (28) were arrested by members of the Hawks' Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The arrests followed an investigation into a complaint lodged by SARS.
According to the Hawks, the case involves Maps Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a company of which Thandiwe Mokwena is a director.
Investigators allege that she colluded with Motsoeneng, Sfiso Mokwena and a fourth suspect, who remains at large, to submit fraudulent tax returns to SARS between 2019 and 2021.
The company is also accused of submitting fraudulent value-added tax (VAT) returns during the same period in an attempt to obtain VAT refunds from SARS.
The Hawks said the alleged misrepresentation resulted in SARS suffering financial prejudice amounting to R1,806,252.95.
Following the investigation, Hawks members executed warrants of arrest against the three suspects, who subsequently appeared before the Witbank Magistrate's Court.
Each of the accused was granted bail of R7,000, and the matter was postponed to 28 October 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent tax and VAT submissions and apprehend the fourth suspect.
The Hawks have not indicated whether further arrests or additional charges are expected.
The allegations have yet to be tested in court, and the accused remain innocent until proven guilty.
