CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Former SARS employee Faried van der Schyff has been sentenced to an effective 3 years of direct imprisonment following his conviction for multiple offenses, including tax fraud, practicing without registration, and illegal cellphone possession while in custody.
According to Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), van der Schyff worked at the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1992 to 1997 before founding VDS Financial Services and Advisors, an accounting business serving residents in Belhar, Athlone, and nearby areas.
Although he was not legally registered as a tax practitioner, van der Schyff provided professional tax advice and submitted returns on behalf of clients. In one proven case, he fraudulently submitted a tax return to create a false credit aimed at clearing a client’s SARS debt.
While awaiting trial at Pollsmoor Prison for an unrelated tax fraud matter, van der Schyff was also found in possession of a cellphone—a prohibited item in correctional facilities. The Acting Head of Security at the prison emphasized that such violations pose serious security threats.
Sentencing Breakdown:
3 years for fraud
2 years for failing to register as a tax practitioner (Tax Administration Act violation)
2 years for unauthorized cellphone possession in prison
The court ruled that all sentences will run concurrently, resulting in 3 years of effective imprisonment.
