Prominent Free State Businesswoman Candy Smith Sentenced for Tax Fraud
Bloemfontein, Free State – The well-known Bloemfontein entrepreneur Candy Smith, aged 46, was sentenced this Friday, 2 February 2024, for defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Smith, also famed for being the host of the prestigious Free State Fashion Week, faced charges for submitting fraudulent tax returns and violating the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
The Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court has handed down its verdict: Smith must either pay a hefty fine of R300,000 or face a three-year prison sentence. The sentence, however, has been wholly suspended for a five-year period under the condition that Smith avoids further legal infringements. In addition to the fine, the court has ordered that she make full reparations, returning the full sum misappropriated by the year 2029.
Smith’s business empire, which lives in the spotlight for organizing opulent events such as the Free State Fashion Week, extends to owning multiple hotels and guesthouses in the Bloemfontein.
Her enterprises benefit from the Free State Provincial government contracts for travel and accommodation, and partnerships with well-known events like Metro FM Heatwave and hosting gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration, sponsored by the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA).
Beyond her role as a businesswoman, Smith has established a significant footprint in the creative domain. In addition, her initiatives include leading the Free State Fashion Hub – a fashion design school – and presiding over the Free State Fashion Council.
SARS’ probe into Smith’s affairs began after spotting anomalies in tax documents for the financial year 2019-2020. She was found to have underreported income, totalling a loss of R472,701 to the state. The investigation, handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit in Bloemfontein, lead to her criminal conviction.
Speaking after the sentencing, Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli commented, “Her sentencing is a testament to the tireless efforts of a SARS-led investigation that uncovered the fraudulent returns filed across a tax period.”
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