SARS going after its own employees who take bribes

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has thrown its weight behind the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying not even its own employees are safe from consequences.

The taxman has committed itself to eradicating all forms of collusion, corruption and criminal subversion of customs and tax processes, which includes investigating customs-inspection teams who allegedly accepted bribes.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, SARS said its Illicit Economy Strategy prioritises corruption and fraud in government departments.

“SARS has been investigating allegations that customs-inspection teams colluded with clearing agents and importers to manipulate physical inspections in exchange for cash bribes,” the taxman said. 

“Financial analysis identified under-declared taxable income exceeding R45 million, resulting in income-tax prejudice of about R18 million.” 

To disrupt this scheme, SARS said it has executed search-and-seizure and preservation orders against revenue service officials and related parties to secure evidence and assets. 

“The latest actions taken by SARS relate to six current and former SARS employees and related taxpayers and traders,” it said. 

“The persons in question are alleged to have failed to comply with their statutory obligations as taxpayers, by participating in a corrupt scheme that has directly prejudiced all honest taxpayers and traders and the fiscus.”

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said this move forms part of a concerted effort to protect South Africa’s fiscus, which is being bled dry by an ever-growing illicit market.

In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, the President acknowledged this problem, saying the infiltration of illegal and counterfeit goods poses a threat to South African jobs and industry.

“We are establishing a national illicit economy disruption programme that brings together key state agencies and other stakeholders, including the private sector,” Ramaphosa said.

“Through effective use of data analytics and AI, we will be targeting high-risk sectors like tobacco, fuel, alcohol and other counterfeit products.”

No one is above the law

Kieswetter said those who choose to abuse SARS’ mandate to protect the fiscus, secure South Africa’s borders, and enforce compliance without fear, favour or prejudice must face consequences.

“SARS places trust in the officials who serve at the frontline of collecting revenue due and protecting legitimate trade,” the taxman said. 

“This mandate sustains the state and the services relied upon by the most vulnerable in our society.”

“This responsibility demands conduct beyond reproach and unquestionable integrity. Any deviation from this standard undermines the state and places the organisation into disrepute.” 

SARS said this erodes public trust, harms honest taxpayers and traders, and steals from the poor.

Therefore, to give full effect to the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, SARS said it will work with the South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority to yield successful criminal investigations and prosecutions.

“Far too many of our employees work diligently, with utmost dedication and integrity, in pursuit of that higher purpose, for their efforts to be undermined by a few who choose to collude with criminals,” Kieswetter said.

He stressed that corrupt officials betray public trust and undermine the state. “We cannot tolerate any acts of corruption,” he said. 

“This is a red line that no one must cross, and no position inside or outside SARS places anyone above the law.”

“Where evidence points to criminality, SARS will detect and pursue it, disrupt the scheme, and recover what is owed to the fiscus.”

The commissioner said SARS will hold all criminally involved individuals accountable, no matter the complexity or time required to do so. “Integrity is not optional at SARS. It is foundational to our mandate,” he said.

“Most SARS employees, traders, and taxpayers act honestly and comply with the law,” the revenue service said. 

“These recent enforcement actions were taken to protect them, preserve fair competition, and ensure that revenue intended for the public good is not siphoned away through corruption.”