The Palm Ridge Magistrates' Court in Gauteng postponed the case against Vimpie Phineas Tlafelang Manthata, his company and two others to 30 July 2024 for them to study the case docket that was provided by the state prior to the matter being set for trial.

Manthata is facing charges of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act, during the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019 tax assessment period, to which SARS and the national treasury lost over R27 million through misrepresented tax returns. Manthata's attorney made an application to court to issue an order for the media to abstain from reporting about the case. He further claimed that the media was causing a significant damage to his reputation as a businessman who operates internationally. His co-accused, Daniel Rothman, made a similar application through his attorney, arguing that he is a well-known professional bookkeeper who runs an accounting practice. 

Investigating Directorate spokesperson Henry Mamothame said senior state Advocate Tilas Chabalala argued strongly against these applications, highlighting that the media has a right to freedom of expression as it represents the general public interest. "He further argued that the media reports had the objective facts about the case, showing no evidence that the accused were defamed. The court agreed with the state and dismissed these applications.