Modack tax fraud trial delayed as judge recuses himself
Judge Mark Sher has recused himself from the R46 million SARS fraud trial just weeks before it was due to start. As a result, Modack and his co-accused will have to wait even longer to have their day in court.
Modack's lawyer, Advocate Bash Sibda told the court last month his client wouldn't get a fair trial if Sher stayed on the case after he presided over Modack's bail appeal in March 2023, in the case where he stands accused of murdering cop Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Edward Kieswetter's time at SARS nears its end
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has formally begun laying the groundwork for his exit in 2026, as his extended term at the helm of the country's tax agency enters its final stretch. Kieswetter, who first assumed the top role in 2019, had his original five-year contract extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024. That extension is now set to expire in April 2026, and internal communications suggest the transition to new leadership is already being discussed. In emails shared with SARS staff, Kieswetter acknowledged mounting speculation around his departure and confirmed that succession planning discussions are underway with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. 'Let us not lose sight of our responsibilities,' Kieswetter wrote to staff. 'We serve a vital role in ensuring the country functions and thrives.' Despite acknowledging that a minority may welcome his exit, the commissioner urged SARS employees to stay focused on their mission of national service. Kieswetter rejoined SARS during one of its most critical periods, following a turbulent era under former commissioner Tom Moyane, whose tenure from 2014 to 2018 was marked by severe institutional damage. The Nugent Commission of Inquiry later found Moyane responsible for dismantling key SARS units, including the High Net Worth Unit and the Large Business Centre – both of which were instrumental in auditing the country's wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Upon returning in 2019, Kieswetter set about rebuilding SARS into a modern, tech-driven revenue service. Under his leadership, SARS: Introduced auto-assessments (2021), easing tax compliance for millions by automating returns via third-party data (2021), easing tax compliance for millions by automating returns via third-party data Relaunched the High Net Worth Unit and created a Crypto Unit to address new financial frontiers and created a to address new financial frontiers Embraced machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve detection and enforcement to improve detection and enforcement Saw a steady increase in revenue collection, including record-high revenues in recent years In 2025 alone, SARS processed auto-assessments for around six million taxpayers, a number expected to grow further in the coming filing seasons. Despite these wins, Kieswetter's time at SARS wasn't without difficulty. His tenure saw: The Covid-19 pandemic , which tested the resilience of SARS's systems and staff , which tested the resilience of SARS's systems and staff A narrowing tax base , worsened by mass emigration and economic strain , worsened by mass emigration and economic strain Persistent budget shortfalls, requiring innovative approaches to extract more value from a shrinking pool of taxpayers Looking ahead, SARS has been tasked with collecting over R2 trillion in revenue for the 2025/26 fiscal year – a record-breaking target that includes a R50 billion increase to plug a hole in the national budget. With 2026 fast approaching, Kieswetter has committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, aligning closely with National Treasury. While his successor has not yet been named, the groundwork is being laid to continue the technological and strategic evolution of SARS. 'My departure must not derail the vision,' Kieswetter reportedly told senior staff. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter Begins Exit Talks as End of Term Approaches
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter's tenure has been defined by efforts to restore efficiency, transparency and public credibility. A strong emphasis was placed on modernising operations and improving compliance levels across sectors. South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has entered discussions regarding his departure from the organisation, with preparations now underway for a leadership transition once his current term concludes. Kieswetter was first appointed to head the revenue service in 2019. In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his tenure by an additional two years. This decision came before the completion of his original five-year term and was widely viewed as a vote of confidence in his leadership. At the time of his appointment, Kieswetter faced the challenge of rebuilding public trust and organisational capacity at SARS, following a turbulent period marked by serious institutional decline. His predecessor, Tom Moyane, presided over an era often associated with the weakening of the institution during the height of State Capture. During that time, SARS experienced significant operational setbacks, a loss of skilled professionals, and declining morale among Kieswetter's leadership, SARS has seen notable improvements in revenue collection and governance. His tenure has been defined by efforts to restore efficiency, transparency and public credibility. A strong emphasis was placed on modernising operations and improving compliance levels across sectors. One of the major achievements during Kieswetter's time in office was the recovery of billions in unpaid taxes, with the agency reporting collection figures that surpassed expectations in several financial years. He has consistently attributed these outcomes to the commitment of SARS employees, as well as the strategic use of data and these successes, the path forward remains complex. The process of identifying a successor who can maintain the momentum of reform will be closely watched by stakeholders both within government and in the broader financial sector. Ensuring that the transition is managed carefully is seen as critical for sustaining investor confidence and tax compliance. The National Treasury and the Presidency are expected to play key roles in shaping the next phase of leadership at SARS. While no official announcement has been made regarding potential candidates, the internal planning suggests that the leadership change is being treated with significant has not publicly commented in detail on his plans following his departure, but sources close to the matter suggest he is committed to a smooth handover and continued support for the institution during the transition period. With the end of his extended term approaching, the focus now shifts to how SARS will navigate this leadership change while maintaining its recent progress in restoring the integrity and capability of the national tax authority.
eNCA
5 hours ago
- eNCA
Edward Kieswetter to exit revenue service
JOHANNESBURG - Commissioner Edward Kieswetter is negotiating his SARS exit once his contract ends. The Sunday Times has seen an internal letter to staff, mapping out the transition period when he leaves. READ: Discussion | SARS Commissioner Kieswetter talks on collections of over R1bn President Cyril Ramaphosa extended Kieswetter's contract by two years, before his initial five-year term that started in 2019, could expire. He was mandated with turning around the Revenue Service, after it was hollowed out under the leadership of Tom Moyane, during the State Capture years.
