The Mthatha Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ensured that Dr Nomthunzi Magida (47), a medical doctor from Komani, was sentenced by the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on 3 June for contravening the Tax Administration Act.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Magida’s sentencing emanated from her arrest through collaborative efforts comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in February this year.
He said that Magida appeared in court on the same day of her arrest, where she was released on warning.
However, the doctor never attended her trial until her warrant of arrest was authorised and she then handed herself over to the police.
“Between 2021 and 2023, Magida intentionally and unlawfully failed to submit her tax returns to SARS. Despite the perpetual reminders from SARS, she purposely ignored such attempts. Therefore, during the audit, SARS picked up discrepancies and thus lodged a complaint with the Hawks for investigation,” said Mhlakuvana.
He further said that investigations by the Hawks confirmed that the accused failed to submit tax returns during the aforementioned period, hence she was apprehended.
Mhlakuvana said that Magida made numerous court appearances until her sentencing by the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on 3 June.
“She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay R4000 or undergo two years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for three years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension,” said Mhlakuvana.