Embattled Lesedi FM breakfast host Motseki “Ba2Cada” Leine faces 30 counts of tax fraud amounting to R5m.
Leine made an appearance before the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Monday morning, but the matter was postponed to March 29.
According to Free State NPA spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, the case was postponed because the money cited in the matter requires that it be heard before the regional and not district court.
Shuping further said that Motseki is being charged with 26 counts of VAT fraud amounting to R1.7m and four counts of income tax fraud amounting to R3.3m.
“We are convinced he has a case to answer based on the evidence that was presented to us by the investigating officers both from Sars and the Hawks,” Shuping said
According to a statement released by the Hawks in the Free State last month it’s alleged that Motseki submitted false VAT returns between 2014 and 2018.
The 40-year-old radio personality was arrested last month and awarded bail of R5,000. Motseki’s bail has been extended and he is yet to plead.
“We feel like we have a very strong case against him that’s why we are in court now,” provincial Hawks spokesperson Christopher Singo told Sowetan on Monday.
Motseki could not be reached for comment as his phone went straight to voicemail.
After his arrest last month, Motseki took to social media to address the matter. Others to land in hot water with the taxman include rapper Cassper Nyovest, media personality Somizi Mhlongo and musician Black Coffee.
“Hey guys, most people are concerned that Ba2Cada o tshwerwe [has been arrested], no it’s not true, but yes I have issues of tax returns just like any other business person with Sars,” Motseki wrote on Facebook.
“Unfortunately as young business people this is the challenge that most faces with the taxman, but these shouldn’t scare anyone to enter into business.
“We are all going to pass the stage where you will be forced to have an accountant responsible to account for any single cent that you have or spend.
“This too shall pass. It’s a trend, but not an excuse, I just have to prove to them that I don’t make a lot of money through my hustles like they allege, nothing personal.”
SABC acting spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo indicated to Sowetan last month that Lesedi FM will keep Motseki on-air until the matter has been “finalised” by authorities.
“The SABC and Lesedi FM management are aware of the matter and understand that it is referred to the law enforcement authorities as it is within their jurisdiction. The SABC will therefore let the authorities deal with the matter and finalise it accordingly,” Seapolelo said.
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