15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR TAX OFFENDER

23 SEPTEMBER 2025

15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR TAX OFFENDER

The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court has sentenced Juan Mark Maritz (62) to an effective 15 years imprisonment following his conviction on eight counts of Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud amounting to approximately R3.6 million. The entity, Jed-Con Construction Maintenance (Jed-Con) was also charged with eight counts of VAT fraud. Maritz is the sole member of Jed-Con and he is also the sole signatory of the bank account held by Jed-Con.

Jed-Con is an entity registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). It is also registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for VAT. For the tax period of 2008 to 2015, Maritz filed nil VAT returns to the SARS even though Jed-Con had traded throughout this period. Following an audit, the offences came to light, and it was further discovered that the SARS was prejudiced by approximately R3.6 million. This matter was prosecuted by Advs Mbali Mdadane and Richard Sbonelo Mkhize.

In securing the state’s case, the Prosecution led the evidence of two witnesses, as well as the SARS investigator. The investigator said that the SARS noncompliance has an adverse effect on the country. The citizens of the country look to government to provide services and the revenue for these services comes from tax paid by taxpayers. Maritz was sentenced to an effective 15 years imprisonment. Jed-Con was sentenced to a fine of R100 000, which was wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the entity is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension. This case is indicative of the effective working relationship between the NPA, the SARS and law enforcement. The sentence imposed shows that the courts are taking a firmer stance against white-collar crimes. It is hoped that this sentence has the desired deterrent effect on would-be offenders.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229