THE ORGANIZATION iTax Justice SA wants the Public Prosecution Service to explain why it appears that businessman Mr. Adriano Mazzotti has never been prosecuted for a crime despite his admission of tobacco smuggling, tax evasion and attempts to bribe SARS officials.
This follows that the Madlanga Commission on Friday was presented with affidavit evidence that Mazzotti admitted to illegally importing cigarettes into the country, producing “unregistered” cigarettes, illegally monitoring SARS officials with cameras and paying R800 000 in money to a legal adviser who is believed to have influence over SARS officials.
The founder of Tax Justice SA, Mr. Yusuf Abramjee, said that the people of South Africa need an explanation.
“The NPA must clarify this important question. If a person admits to committing these serious crimes involving tax evasion, counterfeit tobacco trade and attempts to bribe SARS officials, why does he not face criminal prosecution?”
“It is normal to pay tax debt. But can South Africans now pay to escape criminal prosecution?
“Tax payments are made to recover money owed to the treasury. It should never be a place to escape prosecution. If the admission of serious crimes like this does not lead to prosecution, trust in the judiciary will decrease.”
The commission was also given evidence of close relationship discussions between Carnilinx director Mohamed Sayed and suspended Major-General Feroz Khan, who survived an assassination attempt last week before testifying.
The testimony given speaks of an unusual relationship between a police officer and a businessman. They also affect the sale of illegal tobacco.
Abramjee said the latest evidence reinforces long-standing concerns that organized crime may be protected by some parts of the justice system.
“No one should appear to be above the law, no matter how rich he is or who he knows in politics.”