Musician Sindile "Ringo" Madlingozi appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court yesterday in connection with tax fraud involving almost R2-million.
Madlingozi, 49, is accused of failing to pay the SA Revenue Service over R1.4-million in outstanding pay as you earn tax, and almost R420000 in value-added tax.
According to prosecutor Narisa Reddy, the afro-pop sensation allegedly submitted VAT returns to the revenue service but failed to pay over the amounts owed.
He has also been accused of pocketing PAYE contributions of employees in his music production business since 1999.
During his court appearance yesterday, Madlingozi, dressed in a dark suit, sat forlornly in the dock, with no fans or family to support him. The case was postponed to January 9 to give him the opportunity to secure legal aid.
Yesterday, SA Revenue Service spokesman Adrian Lackay refused to comment as the case was before court.
The award-winning vocalist performed for ANC struggle veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on her 70th birthday and produced songs for the late Miriam Makeba.
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