Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has lashed Sars boss Tom Moyane for his handling of the matter involving mystery payments totalling over a million rand which made its way into the bank accounts of Moyane’s second in command, Jonas Makwakwa,
In a written reply to a parliamentary question published yesterday, Gordhan said it was suspicious that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) had first flagged the matter with Sars in May, but had only suspended him in September.
“The report from the FIC stated that there was a total of 75 transactions done between March 1, 2010 and January 31, 2016, which amounted to R785 130 (R726 400 of this money was deposited during 2014 and 2015).
“Furthermore, Mr Makwakwa’s partner deposited a total amount of R450 200 directly into her personal bank accounts,” said Gordhan.
“It is perturbing that, considering that the origins of these funds were not confirmed, Mr Moyane allowed Mr Makwakwa to remain in his position dealing with individual and corporate taxpayers.”
The minister suggests Moyane tried to hide the matter. “It is my opinion that Mr Moyane failed to inform me of the matter, possibly in an attempt to resolve the issue without the matter becoming public.”
Gordhan also criticised Moyane for blaming the FIC for not co-operating with him, which the Sars commissioner said hampered his ability to act against Makwakwa.
“Since the report in the newspapers, Mr Moyane has publicly criticised the FIC rather than take the responsibility that an accounting officer is expected to assume in dealing with such vital matters,” the minister pointed out.
In a parting blow to Moyane, Gordhan questioned his leadership of the critical tax collection authority.
“These and other matters raise serious concerns about the stewardship of a vital fiscal institution,” the minister added. – ANA