By OBAKENG MAJE
22 July 2025- The Director of Gaptu Project Management & Construction, Gabriel Nare Nkgweng (53) and Accountant from Tseba Business Accountants, Tsekiso Moloi (43), briefly appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court facing 13 counts of fraud and 8 counts for Contravening Section 234(d) read with Sections 1,4,23,25, 151, 153 (3) and 238 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
The accused persons, Nkgweng and Moloi were arrested yesterday by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. It is alleged that Nkgweng and Moloi, on behalf of Gaptu Project Management & Construction, submitted their 2012 and 2013 Corporate Income Tax (CIT) returns with nil declaration, while the company was operational and earning an income, resulting in outstanding taxes to the amount of R9 million.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said an audit on the company’s Value Added Tax (VAT) for the period January 2014 until January 2018, was conducted as the company submitted nil VAT returns. Gunya said it was discovered that the company has been earning income, but failed to declare and South African Revenue Services (SARS) suffered an actual prejudice of over R800 000 through undeclared VAT output.
“In court, both accused were granted bail set at R20 000 each with normal bail conditions that they should not interfere with investigations or witnesses and communicate with the investigating officer when leaving the court jurisdiction.
“The case has been adjourned to 1 September 2025 for the state to provide the defence with copies of the dockets. Criminal prosecution remains a key instrument in addressing willful non-compliance with tax laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting North West Hawks Head, has commended all role players for finally placing this matter on the court roll. The NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) remain committed to ensuring accountability and reinforcing a culture of tax compliance.
The Guardian 