A former South African Revenue Services (SARS) employee lost his job and faces 8 years in jail after being reported by a client that he demanded R1500 for assisting her with her returns. Rasivuma Isaac Madzhuta (56),was sentenced by  the Serious Crime Commercial Court in Polokwane.

A CORRUPT OFFICIAL 

 SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Madzhutha was charged with corruption following the incident.

"Madzhuta, a service consultant at the SARS Polokwane office, was found guilty of demanding a bribe from a client."

Ledwaba said the trial court heard that in August 2022, Madzhuta assisted a female client with her SARS returns, promising to fast-track her refunds in exchange for R1,500. 

"After the client received her refund, Madzhuta demanded payment. The client reported the incident to the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit."

GUILTY

Ledwaba said the case was investigated and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). "On September 18, 2024, Madzhuta appeared before the Serious Crime Commercial Court in Polokwane, where he was found guilty of corruption. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with four years wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not found guilty of corruption during the suspension period."

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, stating that it serves as an example that corruption will be rooted out at all levels.

"This conviction demonstrates the commitment of the South African Police Service to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within government institutions," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.