26 June 2006
On Sunday, 25 June 2006, two newspapers claimed that customs officials of
the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the Johannesburg International
Airport (JIA) are 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 has a zero-tolerance approach against corruption or any form of bribery
and has 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 SARSâ 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 calls on these 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 is without substance or validation.
SARS refutes allegations that its procedures incorporate improper methods or
discrimination against groups of foreign nationals, and plans to contact
representatives from all embassies or high commissions quoted in the news
reports and will ask them to submit information that would allow SARS to
investigate the matter further.
Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay
Tel: (012) 422 4206
Cell: 083 388 2580
Issued by: South African Revenue Services
26 June 2006
