Johannesburg – The SA Revenue Service rogue unit has harmed the public’s confidence in the revenue collector, an advisory board said on Tuesday.
“Sars needs to win back and maintain the trust and respect of all taxpayers in South Africa,” chairman and retired judge Frank Kroon told reporters in Johannesburg.
Sars, once hailed for its efficiency, had been destabilised by allegations of a “rogue intelligence” unit in its ranks and the suspensions and departures of several senior executives. Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene in February announced the appointment of the executives advisory committee, chaired by Kroon to help fix the revenue collector.
Kroon said the unit, established within SARS in 2007, had, among others the purpose of a covert, collection intelligence. “The establishment of the unit was unlawful, the unlawfulness derives from the fact that SARS does not have and did not have the statutory authority to covertly gather intelligence,” said Kroon.
The unit has since been disbanded by commissioner Tom Moyane following his appointment by President Jacob Zuma. The board recommended that those responsible for the establishment of the unit be held responsible.
“To the extent that crimes may have been committed pursuant to the establishment of the unit, the board recommends that SARS report the matter to the SA Police Service to request necessary investigations,” said Kroon.
The board consisted of advocate Selby Mfanelo Mbenenge, chartered accountant Mmakgolo Meta Maponya, managing director of actuarial and consulting solutions and public sector divisions at Alexander Forbes Financial Services Holdings, Bonga Mokoena, advocate Rudolph Mastenbroek and two Sars executives, Jonas Makwakwa, responsible for audit at the revenue services and chief financial officer Matsobane Matlwa.
ANA