Eight suspects appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 January 2021, on charges of alleged tax evasion, theft and money laundering, while the charge sheet also includes four companies that were used by the group. Smangaliso Innocent Khoza (37), Busisiwe Prudence Nkosi (36), Sipho Andrew Philane (58), Sabelo Given Khumalo (35), Nhlanhla France Nyambi (43), Marcus Madala Mdhuli (44), Thabo Chamaine Philane (31) and Mfanzile Tholebono Msibi were arrested following a Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. The initial arrests in this case were in November 2020, followed by the rest of the syndicate members on different dates.

The four companies that have been charged are Madam and Eve General Trading, Khuzumuzo (PTY) , Smangalisobusisiwe Trading , Zipho Zethu Trading and Mexza Cleaning Services. The Hawks’ investigation has revealed that from April 2017, Khoza and his girlfriend, Nkosi, the sole directors of Madam and Eve General Trading, submitted fraudulent tax returns to the South African Revenue Services (SARS), causing an actual loss of R2.5 million.

The couple, who appear to be the ringleaders in this case, recruited family members and friends to register non-existing companies in order to prejudice SARS. The accused were each released on bail amounts ranging from R3 000 to R10 000. The case has been postponed to 9 February 2021.