The Nelspruit Serious Commercial Crime Court has sentenced a Mpumalanga businessman to 21 years imprisonment. 52-year-old, Sibusiso Madonsela, is the director of Shopemore Enterprise (Pty) Ltd and Zuc Construction.
“The sentence emanated from illicit activities committed in 2020 when Madonsela intentionally and knowingly submitted fraudulent tax returns for his business,” said the Mpumalanga Hawks.
An investigation by the Hawks allegedly proved that Madonsela had unlawfully benefitted from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). He allegedly caused a total loss of R1 513 087.23 to SARS.
A TALLY OF CRIMES BY MPUMALANGA BUSINESSMAN
“A portion of the money was deposited to Sibusiso Lekhuleni’s personal account. The beneficiary, Lekhuleni was not found guilty and acquitted,” said the Hawks.
Madonsela was sentenced to three years imprisonment for fraud. He was also handed seven years for Contravention of Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Additionally, he was given three years for Contravention of Tax Administration Act.
Lastly, he was handed eight years imprisonment for the Contravention of the Organised Crime Act. Madonsela will be serving all of his sentences concurrently.
MORE COSTS ADDED TO ALLEGED TAX EVADER
In addition to the sentence, both Madonsela’s companies were fined R100 000. He also learned that R412 000-worth of his assets would be put through liquidation in order to recoup the losses to SARS.
“We are happy that through dedication and hard work, justice was finally served,” said Mpumalanga Hawks Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Bruce Davenport.
Madonsela’s ex-wife, Thembisile, is also expected to appear before the Nelspruit Commercial Crime Court on Friday, 29 August 2025 for her alleged involvement in the fraud.
SHOULD LENGTHIER SENTENCES BE HANDED DOWN TO THOSE WHO EVADE TAX?
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