South Africa’s longest-running SARS criminal trial postponed again

The protracted criminal trial involving Hendrik Delport and 13 co-accused has been postponed once more, with proceedings now scheduled to resume in October 2025.

This case, initiated in 2003, stands as the longest-running criminal trial in the history of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The accused face a multitude of charges, including fraud, tax evasion, and contravention of customs regulations. Delport, a businessman with extensive interests in aviation and logistics, is alleged to have orchestrated a complex network of companies involved in illicit activities.

The trial has been marred by numerous delays, primarily attributed to the defense's requests for access to additional evidence. These delays have drawn criticism from various quarters, including legal experts and public commentators, who express concern over the prolonged judicial process.

The latest postponement has intensified scrutiny over the efficiency of the South African judicial system in handling high-profile financial crimes.

Observers note that while the legal complexities of such cases are acknowledged, the extended duration of the trial raises questions about the balance between thoroughness and expediency in legal proceedings.