The SA Revenue Service has launched an investigation into the activities of a senior official who allegedly disclosed taxpayer information to a lawyer whose companies he was investigating.
SARS acting commissioner Ivan Pillay said that he had appointed Muzi Sikhakhane, an advocate, "to lead an external committee of investigation into complaints of impropriety against Johann van Loggerenberg".
The committee will investigate whether Van Loggerenberg breached SARS codes or policies, including taxpayer confidentiality, whether there was a conflict of interest, whether he engaged in corrupt activities and whether "unlawful or illegal interception of information occurred".
It must present its findings to Pillay within 45 days.
Van Loggerenberg has been put on special leave.
He was reportedly romantically involved with Belinda Walter, a lawyer who represented tobacco companies he was investigating.
It is alleged that he disclosed confidential taxpayer information to her.
Walter complained about Van Loggerenberg's conduct when their relationship ended.
SARS in June set up a panel to verify Walter's complaint. It found that Van Loggerenberg had done nothing wrong.
"I consider it paramount to further investigate to safeguard the integrity of SARS," Pillay said.
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