Penelope Hlengiwe Khumalo (46), a former employee of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) was found guilty and sentenced on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 for fraud and corruption.
The Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced her after a lengthy investigation which revealed that in March 2010, the accused assisted VAT vendors to complete and submit fraudulent returns with the aim to receive undue refunds from SARS.
The Revenue Service suffered the actual loss of R550 000.00.
The accused was sentenced to 14 years combined imprisonment on four counts of fraud.
She was further sentenced to eight year collective imprisonment on two counts of corruption.
Khumalo will effectively serve ten years imprisonment without an option of a fine.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber applauded the efforts shown by the investigating officer and the prosecution team, who ensured that justice prevailed and the accused received the appropriate sentence.
