The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) has confirmed that an accountant fraudster Jessica Marieka Janse Van Niewenhuys was sentenced for defrauding SARS over R9 million.
Hawks Spokesperson in Free State,Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti said Jessica Marieka Janse Van Niewenhuys(35) and her husband,Petrus Janse Van Niewenhuys(36) appeared before the Free State Division of the High Court of South Africa,Bloemfontein where Jessica was found guilty of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act.The couple was arrested in Gqeberha on 27 May 2024 by the Welkom Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
From 2018 until 2022,she submitted fraudulent tax returns for four companies which were working with her and did not stop there she even submitted fraudulent tax returns for her husband without his knowledge.
Matoti said investigations conducted by the Welkom based Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation proved that,during the period between 2018 and 2022,Jessica,who was responsible for bookkeeping of four companies based in Parys,submitted fraudulent tax returns on behalf of these companies.She further submitted fraudulent returns on behalf of her husband,who was at the time employed by a company doing projects at different mines.As a result of the fraud committed,the South African Revenue Service(SARS) suffered a loss amounting to over R9 million.
The High Court found her guilty for close 200 counts of fraud and money laundering,and was declared unfit to possess firearm.
Matoti mentioned that the court found Jessica Marieka Janse Van Niewenhuys guilt of 181 counts of fraud and 38 counts of money laundering.All counts were taken together for the purpose of sentencing,resulting in 12 years imprisonment.She was declared unfit to possess a firearm.All the charges against Petrus Janse Van Niewenhuys were withdrawn.
Matoti revealed that even Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks),Major General Mokgadi Bokaba welcomes sentencing.She also commends all the parties involved for ensuring a lengthy sentence that will send a stern message to other criminals."A process to recoup what was benefited from this crime is underway,"she said.
Police recover abandoned illicit cigarettes worth R3 million
The police in Marble Hall in Sekhukhune District recovered a truck loaded with 89 boxes(50 cartons) and 716*20 of Remington Gold illicit cigarettes worth R3 million,after two male suspects abandoned them at the corner of N11 and Slaagboom Road,on 12 February 2025 at around 22:00.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said according to information,the police activated an operation upon receiving an alert about a suspicious truck traveling towards Marble Hall.The described vehicle was spotted,and they tactically approached it.The driver and passenger jumped out of the truck,after noticing the police.They abandoned the truck and fled the scene on foot.
He added that the police searched the truck and found illicit cigarettes of Remington Gold cigarettes with an estimated street value of R3 million.Police have since launched a search for the suspects.