EFF leader Julius Malema is wrong about tax investigations into his family and associates.
South African Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner Edward Kieswetter dismissed Malema's allegations that President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed him to investigate the tax affairs of people who attended and sponsored the EFF Gala Dinner held on Thursday, 27 July.
Malema further claimed on Saturday, 29 July, at the EFF 10th anniversary rally that the taxman was "harassing" his family, trying to find anything unlawful about him.
Kieswetter said: "Sars categorically and strongly denies any such meeting between President Ramaphosa and Commissioner Kieswetter took place."
He said he would never entertain any unlawful request.
Kieswetter had also, on numerous occasions, cautioned that any Sars employee who takes instruction or colludes with any taxpayer is in breach of the law and faces dismissal.
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"It, therefore, behoves all South Africans to restrain themselves from besmirching the image of this important institution that is critical for the sustenance and support of our democracy," said Kieswetter.
Malema again claimed on Wednesday, 2 August, at the closing of the birthday celebrations media briefing, that the state is going to punish people for having made a political choice.
"We will expose these shenanigans until these people are held accountable. We can't allow the state to be used as if it's a tool for the ANC," he said.
Kieswetter said Sars conducts its work lawfully, without fear, favour or prejudice.
"Any member of the public who becomes aware of SARS employees acting outside of the law is invited to report this to the Sars fraud hotline or directly to the Office of the Commissioner at [email protected]," he said.
