By Staff Reporter
In a recent development, controversial businessman Frank Buyanga Sadiqi appeared before the South African Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial court on February 1, 2024, facing allegations of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act.
The South Africa Police Service released a statement detailing the charges against Buyanga, asserting that he failed to submit tax returns to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) between 2014 and 2019, potentially prejudicing the government of over R55 million.
“Frank Buyanga Sadiqi (44) has appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial court for fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act on 01 February 2024 after he was summoned. It is alleged that during the period of 2014 and 2019, the suspect failed to submit tax returns to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) with potential prejudice of over R55 million.
“The suspect is charged for contravention of section 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act, failure to submit income tax returns. The suspect made his first appearance on 01 February 2024 at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Court and the matter is postponed to 28 February 2024,” read the statement
Currently, he remains in South African custody, facing charges related to breaching the country’s immigration laws.
Buyanga’s legal troubles extend beyond tax evasion allegations. He was previously wanted by Zimbabwean authorities on a range of criminal charges, including kidnapping, robbery, and contempt of court.
In March 2020, Buyanga was hauled before the Harare Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping his son (Daniel Alexander Buyana Sadiqi) who was in the custody of his ex-girlfriend Chantelle Muteswa.
He also faced robbery charges after he allegedly unlawfully and intentionally used violence against Muteswa in order to steal her handbag which contained US$200 at Spar Supermarket Park town parking space.
In April 2020, he was brought before the courts for contempt as defined in section 182 (2)(e) of the criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 for failing to comply with the high Court order during a court case compelling him to release Daniel Alexander Buyanga Sadiqi kidnapped within 24 ours of the order .
