Johannesburg - Top South African Revenue Service officials who would have been the subject of an internal disciplinary process have resigned in what has now been described as an amicable parting of ways.
“The South African Revenue Service confirms that (former deputy commissioner) Mr Ivan Pillay and Mr Peter Richer (former head of strategic planning) have resigned from SARS with immediate effect,” a statement from the state institution said on Thursday.
“SARS has accepted their resignations, and hereby confirms that the parting of ways was amicable,” it said in the statement.
“SARS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of Mr Pillay and Mr Richer during their years of service in SARS and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.
“All charges and related investigations have been withdrawn. SARS reserves all its rights,” the statement read.
Former chief justice Sandile Ngcobo was to have chaired the disciplinary processes against Pillay and Richer.
The revenue collector accused Pillay and Richer of being instrumental in the establishment of a so-called “rogue” unit within Sars. The accusations followed an investigation by advocate Muzi Sikhakhane who was appointed by the revenue collector last year to investigate the allegations into complaints of impropriety against Johann van Loggerenberg, a senior SARS official, and others.
Van Loggerenberg also resigned earlier. The result of the investigation, widely known as the Sikhakhane report, was never made public.