Committee to probe allegations against tax official

Acting SARS Commissioner Ivan Pillay has appointed an external committee to investigate alleged malpractices by senior official Johann van Loggerenberg who has been placed on special leave. Image: SARS

Acting SARS Commissioner, Ivan Pillay saifd: "To safeguard the integrity of SARS and its processes, I have appointed Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane (SC) to lead an external Committee of Investigation into complaints of impropriety against Johann van Loggerenberg."

He said the Committee will examine and report on whether there were any breaches of SARS processes, policies or codes, including violations of taxpayer confidentiality, the oath of secrecy prescribed for SARS officials or procedures of good governance and any instances where a conflict of interest arose.

The committee will also probe whether there were any instances of unlawful or illegal interception of information or evidence of engaging in allegedly corrupt activities.

The committee has been given 45 days to conclude its investigation and present its findings to the Acting Commissioner, unless compelling circumstances dictate otherwise.

Investigation follows complaints from Belinda Walter

"As Chairperson, Sikhakhane will exercise his discretion to appoint any independent junior counsel as well as any independent attorney to assist the Committee in the execution of its duties. SARS will commit to provide all the necessary and required support to the Committee," said Pillay.

Belinda Walter, an attorney and the director of Belinda Walter Attorneys in Pretoria, had made complaints against Van Loggerenberg.

"The details of their relationship and complaints against the respective parties have been widely reported in the media over recent weeks," said Pillay.

On 11 June, SARS established a panel of review, chaired by an independent, external attorney to verify facts surrounding Walter's complaint.

"Although the panel did not prove any wrongdoing or breaches of the law on Van Loggerenberg's part, I consider it paramount to further investigate the issues that were raised in Walter's complaint so as to safeguard the integrity of SARS and the trust the South African public has bestowed on our institution.

"Therefore, I have decided that a new and completely external Committee be mandated to delve into the observations made by the previous panel regarding possible breaches of taxpayer confidentiality, of conflict of interest and of procedures of good governance."

He added that the findings of the committee of investigation will be made public.

Van Loggerenberg has been placed on special leave.