SARS says No in sharing info on taxpayers’ affairs after Gavin Watson’s death

After the demise of Gavin Watson, the renowned South African businessman and CEO of African Global Operations (formerly named Bosasa), the South African Revenue Service has clearly stated that it would not comment on him.

South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently released the statement following media reports and speculations about Gavin Watson, who died on Monday, August 26 in a car crash near OR Tambo International Airport.

"In terms of the confidentiality clause, Section 69 of the Tax Admin Act 2011, SARS does not share or divulge confidential information on taxpayers' affairs. This would include investigations into taxpayers and traders," SARS clearly stated in a statement.

Now, the former COO of Bosasa, Angelo Agrizzi has recently said that his former boss Gavin Watson might have been trying to flee South Africa but on the spot, he died in the accident. Agrizzi, who worked with Watson in close quarters for over 20 years, has claimed that the deceased businessman was due to confront a major tax inquiry on Tuesday with potential information on Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa being disclosed as part of the process. Some illicit payments were made to both presidential figures and their corruption empire was worth billions of rand.

On the other hand, the SARS has confirmed that Chief Officer of Governance, International Relations, Strategy and Communication Hlengani Mathebula has left the tax agency. "Following interactions and information exchange between SARS and Mathebula, it has been concluded that the parties should, and have agreed to, end the employment relationship," SARS noted.

"Mathebula remains committed to making a contribution towards the Republic of South Africa, in whatever future capacities he may hold. He wishes SARS well in fulfilling its mandate for the benefit of the people of the Republic of South Africa," SARS said.

SARS has noted media reports and speculations on the passing on of Bosasa CEO, Gavin Watson. In terms of the confidentiality clause, Section 69 of the Tax Admin Act 2011 SARS does not share or divulge confidential information on taxpayers affairs. https://t.co/oggzHwath6

— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) August 27, 2019