An Eastern Cape entity and director sentenced for not disclosing VAT

Reports from South African Police Services SAPS states –

The East London Regional court sentenced the director, Chidozi Aloysius Ogbona (41); his entity, Divinewatch Protection & Cleaning Services CC and a salesperson, Anele Lahle (36) for fraud which happened between 2006 and 2009.

The entity was awarded tenders at a university in Walter Sisulu and Eastern Cape Development Corporation. The invoices and Value Added Tax (VAT) were submitted for services rendered.

The accused failed to disclose to South African Revenue Services that they claimed VAT for an amount of more than R842 000-00.

After a thorough investigation by the East London based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.

The accused were arrested and charged for numerous counts of fraud. Ogbona was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of R100 000-00 fine whereas Lahle received a five year sentence with an option of a R50 000-00 fine. An entity was fined R160 000-00.

Ogbona and Lahle further received five year-suspended sentences.