Celebrity Chef Lusizo Mvula Henna, convicted of defrauding the SA Revenue Service (SARS) of over R5 million, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The 41-year-old accused better known as “Chef Sizo”, the owner of Blaque Olive Private Chefs, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on six counts of fraud and six years imprisonment on 14 counts of money laundering.
SARS paid out R 3.1 million to Henna.
However, it was established that there were no trading activities in Blaque Olive’s bank accounts relating to these claims.
The court found that these claims were solely submitted to defraud SARS.
After receiving R3.1 million in his bank account Henna laundered the R3.1 million in 14 days by transferring the proceeds of the scheme to relatives, friends, and others related to him.
Evidence in aggravation was presented on behalf of SARS explaining the damage to the fiscus as a result of schemes such as these.
Advocate Marius Oosthuizen, on behalf of the State, submitted that only direct imprisonment would be appropriate as crimes against the fiscus have a detrimental impact on the government’s ability to render services.
It was further submitted that dealing harshly with offenders of schemes like these would improve South Africa’s grey listing status in respect of financial crimes.
He added that it was important for the justice system to send a message to looters of the fiscus that they would be treated harshly.
“The National Prosecuting Authority applauds the commitment of Advocate Oosthuizen and the investigation team for their efforts in holding Henna accountable for stealing from the fiscus,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, Gauteng spokesperson.
