SARS OFFICIALS TESTIFY IN A TAX TRIAL AGAINST A COMPANY LINKED TO THE “BLUE LIGHTS” CORRUPTION CASE

21 MAY 2025

SARS OFFICIALS TESTIFY IN A TAX TRIAL AGAINST A COMPANY LINKED TO THE “BLUE LIGHTS” CORRUPTION CASE

The Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court adjourned the trial against Vimpie Phineas Manthata, his company and one other, to 22 May 2025 for further trial.

The trial started on Monday, 19 May 2025, with the state leading its evidence in chief through a senior official from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The second witness from SARS took a stand prior to the adjournment and is expected back in court to be cross-examined by the defence attorney.

Manthata is facing charges of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act, during the 2018/2019 tax assessment period, to which an amount of approximately R19 million is involved. He is charged with his company, Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement and Judy Rose, who is employed as a bookkeeper in the company. The accused are also facing corruption charges in a separate corruption case relating to an alleged irregular contract within the South African Police Service (SAPS), valued at approximately R191 million.

Manthata and Rose are out on R10 000 bail each and the court warned them to be back when the trial resumes.

Enquiries:

Henry Mamothame
IDAC - Spokesperson
082 317 5731