The South African Revenue Service (Sars) said in a statement on Monday that it rejected claims by two Sunday newspapers that SARS customs officials at the Johannesburg International airport (JIA) were working with criminal syndicates who target foreign diplomats upon their arrival in South Africa.
“Sars rejects the suggestions that there is sustained or systematic collusion between its customs officials and criminal syndicates. In any country — developed or developing — there are instances where individuals partake in corrupt activities or improper conduct,” Sars said.
Sars explained that it had a “zero-tolerance approach” against corruption or any form of bribery and had a demonstrable record of integrity.
“Allegations of collusion are misinformed at best or, at worst, isolated cases of individual misconduct. It can definitely not be part of the normal course of Sars’s business operations.
“It is equally regrettable that members of the diplomatic community chose the media as a vehicle to raise their concerns instead of bringing those concerns to the attention of Sars or, as a matter of protocol, to the attention of other government institutions.”
Sars called on foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community to report any form of suspected criminal activity by a customs or any other Sars official directly to the office of the commissioner.
“Should such information be found to be credible or true, Sars will act immediately and decisively against any corrupt officials in its ranks. Until such time Sars remains of the opinion that allegations of criminal or unethical conduct are without substance or validation,” the statement said.
Sars refuted allegations that its procedures incorporated improper methods or discrimination against groups of foreign nationals, and planned to contact representatives from all embassies or high commissions quoted in the news reports to ask them to submit information that would allow Sars to investigate the matter further, the statement concluded. — I-Net Bridge