Muvhango producer returns to court for R26 million tax case

According to the State, Ndlovu's company, Ambrobite, now known as Kanoboya Consulting, was subcontracted by Bain and Company to provide strategic and project management services between November 2013 and September 2016.

The company allegedly received payments for the services but its trading activities were subsequently misrepresented in tax returns submitted to SARS.

Investigators allege that Ndlovu and Mloyi declared that the company was dormant and had not traded between 2013 and 2017, despite it having received payments for its services.

The State further alleges that Mutsharini assisted Ndlovu in submitting inaccurate personal income tax returns between 2016 and 2019.

Additional allegations relate to personal income tax submissions for 2020 and 2022, while a return for 2021 was allegedly not submitted.

The investigation followed recommendations made by the Nugent Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS.

The commission, chaired by retired Judge Robert Nugent, recommended investigations into suspected fraud, corruption and procurement irregularities within the revenue service.

IDAC and SARS subsequently worked together to investigate the alleged tax irregularities.

The three accused were arrested on September 30, 2024, following the investigation.

They made court appearances at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, where Ndlovu was granted R100 000 bail, while Mutsharini and Mloyi were each granted R50 000 bail.

Their bail conditions included surrendering travel documents and reporting to police stations. Ndlovu was also ordered to report to Sandton police station on designated days.

The matter has since returned to court on several occasions as investigations and legal processes continued.

Ndlovu's business dealings also attracted attention during the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where evidence was heard about his company's involvement in providing strategic advice and introducing Bain and Company to political leaders.

However, the current criminal proceedings concern the alleged misrepresentation of tax affairs and the resulting loss to SARS. The matter is scheduled to return to court on November 11 for the outcome of a review and the determination of trial dates.