Tshepiso Johannes Letselela, 50, appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 25 September 2025 on six counts of fraud, following his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit at the North West.
The court heard that Letselela, a registered Personal Income Tax (PIT) payer, failed to submit his PIT returns to SARS for the period 2017 to 2022.
“Despite several telephonic reminders from SARS on 23 October 2023, as well as written notices, he neglected to comply with his obligations.
“His non-submission of tax returns and non-declaration of income caused SARS a financial prejudice exceeding R1.6 million,” Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said.
Letselela was granted bail of R10,000 under strict conditions.
National Prosecuting Authority Sivenathi Gunya said the man is required to report to the Johannesburg Police Station once a month and must notify the investigating officer should he change his residential address in Centurion.
The matter was postponed to 13 November 2025 for a regional court date.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, and the Acting Hawks Head in the province, Brigadier Georgia Moos, commended the collaborative efforts between the NPA, SARS, and the DPCI, which ensured the accused’s swift arrest and court appearance.
“They stressed the importance of enforcing compliance with South Africa’s tax laws to safeguard public funds and uphold the rule of law,” Gunya said.
