SARS Fraud Scandal: Former Auditor Sentenced for Role in R54 Million Scheme

A former auditor at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Monica Pretorius, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in fraudulent VAT refund schemes. Working from Alberton, Ekurhuleni, the 55-year-old colluded with Cornelius Kriek, a fake tax practitioner, to process and approve deceptive VAT refunds totaling R54 million.

Pretorius' questionable lifestyle and patterns of absenteeism tipped off authorities, leading to an investigation. This eventually caused her resignation in 2015. In addition to cash, Pretorius received a car registered in her daughter’s name as part of the illicit benefits.

The Specialised Commercial Crime’s Court identified a corrupt relationship between Pretorius and Kriek, who also received a 20-year sentence in 2018. Their scheme involved Pretorius assigning audits to herself, ensuring the fraudulent claims were paid without oversight.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) emphasised the gravity of Pretorius' betrayal of public trust and her direct imprisonment underscores the severity with which the justice system treats such corruption. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public offices.