Gauteng company director Tshepo Khoza sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding SARS of R3.6 million through fraudulent SAPS tenders. Picture Credits: Moneyweb
By Thulane Madalane
South Africa – Tshepo Khoza, director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, has been sentenced to six years in prison, with two years suspended, after being found guilty of defrauding SARS of R3.6 million.
The conviction, secured by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in collaboration with SARS and law enforcement agencies, stems from fraudulent tenders linked to the South African Police Service’s DNA project under the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit.
IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Khoza exploited familial ties to a senior SAPS official to secure these lucrative contracts between 2015 and 2018. Despite earning millions, Khoza falsely claimed his company was dormant and failed to declare the income to SARS.
Khoza was convicted on three counts of fraud, including a serious Schedule 5 offence, and one count of failing to register for VAT under the Tax Administration Act.
The trial, part of a broader initiative known as Project Blue Lights, will resume on 22 February 2026, when Khoza faces additional charges alongside other implicated individuals.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and IDAC Head Advocate Andrea Johnson praised the coordinated effort that led to the conviction.
“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and from millions of South Africans who rely on government services for education, healthcare, and social support,” Kieswetter said.
“Every rand stolen undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. SARS will pursue every case relentlessly. Those who defraud the system must know accountability is certain and justice will prevail.”
