THE South African Revenue Service (SARS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of misconduct against its second in charge, Jonas Makwakwa, over “suspicious and unusual” transactions totalling R1.2m.Makwakwa, chief officer for business and individual taxes at SARS, received “unexplained” cash deposits and bank transfers amounting to R1.2m in 2010-2016. SARS commissioner Tom Moyane is said to have announced Makwakwa’s suspension to revenue service staff on Thursday.Deposits of R450,200 were also made into the bank account of Makwakwa’s girlfriend, Kelly-Anne Elskie, in December 2015. She is a SARS employee. It is unclear whether any action has yet been taken against her.The Treasury, under whose authority SARS falls, appeared surprised by disclosures that the second most senior official at the tax authority had been suspended. In a statement released on Thursday, the Treasury said it had noted media reports about Makwakwa’s suspension, but had not formally been notified of t...
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