Suspended SARS deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay resigns

The entity also revealed that disciplinary charges against both men had been withdrawn.

"SARS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of Mr Pillay and Mr Richer during their years of service in SARS and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours. All charges and related investigations have been withdrawn. SARS reserves all its rights," it said.

SARS said it accepted their resignations, and characterised the departures as "amicable".

For months, the tax agency was embroiled in a scandal following reports that it had established and ran a secret unit which spied on President Jacob Zuma and which had even operated a brothel.

A report by an independent panel headed by Adv Muzi Sikhakhane found the unit was indeed unlawful and recommended further investigation by the inspector-general of intelligence Faith Radebe or by a judicial commission of inquiry.

Radebe has investigated the matter but her findings have not been made public - and are unlikely to be.

Source: BDpro