SARS denies Malema’s allegation that Kieswetter secretly met Ramaphosa

The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) has refuted allegations by Julius Malema, that its boss, Edward Kieswetter, met with President Ramaphosa secretly and was instructed to track down the EFF party’s donors.

THE ALLEGATIONS

Julius Malema, the EFF leader had accused ANC leaders, including Ramaphosa, of launching a war against the party’s business partners. Malema levelled these accusations at a press conference after the EFF’s 10th birthday festivities.

In a statement on Wednesday night, SARS was compelled to respond to Malema’s utterances and refuted the EFF’s allegations.

“Sars categorically and strongly denies that any such meeting between Ramaphosa and commissioner Kieswetter took place. Kieswetter has on many occasions made it abundantly clear that if there were ever any undue influence on his work, or if he were to be given unlawful instructions by any politician, he would immediately resign his position, rather than undermine his oath of office,” read the statement.

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According to Malema, a trustworthy source informed him that an investigation has been launched into all the guests who attended the EFF’s gala dinner was ordered due to the extravagance displayed during the event.

The alleged probe by SARS must allegedly identify the nature of the guests’ business interests and whether their tax affairs are up to date. Malema claimed that Kieswetter hired Gerhard Pretorius to carry out this investigation, which he wanted completed by December, in order to take action against whoever sponsored or funded the EFF celebrations.

However, these allegations were denied by SARS in a statement they issued. The entity stated that Kieswetter would never engage is such activities and his duty is to protect the work of more than 12500 SARS workers.

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“Kieswetter has worked relentlessly to rebuild SARS after it was repurposed by individuals to further the corrupt intent of state capture. He would therefore work to protect the hard work of more than 12,500 SARS employees rather than entertain any unlawful request, said the entity. 

SARS further said that Kieswetter has also on numerous occasions cautioned that any SARS employee who takes instruction or colludes with any taxpayer is in breach of the law and faces would face dismissal.

It encouraged people to refrain from tarnishing the image of the institution, which according to SARS is critical to the sustenance and support of the South Africa democracy.

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