Tebogo Msimanga |
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it has noted the statement made by Julius Malema at the recently concluded press conference of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The statement purports that there was a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter where President Ramaphosa gave Commissioner Kieswetter an instruction to investigate the tax affairs of those that attended and sponsored the EFF Gala Dinner held on 27 July 2023.
“Today’s statement ( Tuesday, 02 August 2023) was preceded by the statement made Malema on Saturday at the EFF rally that SARS is “harassing” his family with a view to find anything unlawful against him for nefarious purpose”.
In a statement, SARS said it does not, as a matter of routine, comment on statements made about it in the party-political realm. “SARS is however duty bound on this occasion to issue a response. SARS categorically and strongly denies that any such meeting between President Ramaphosa and Commissioner Kieswetter took place”.
SARS added that Commissioner 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”.
