Adriano Mazzotti, CEO of Carnilinx, has come under renewed scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission after evidence was presented asserting he admitted to tobacco smuggling, tax evasion, and attempts to corrupt South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials as part of a 2014 confidential settlement, yet has never faced criminal prosecution. The revelation, made during July 2026 hearings of the commission investigating criminality, corruption, and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system, has sparked public and civil society outcry, with Tax Justice SA demanding answers from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Allegations And Commission Testimony

Evidence tabled before the Madlanga Commission included an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, referring to Mazzotti’s alleged admissions made in the 2014 SARS settlement. Mazzotti submitted a voluntary statement to the commission, objecting to aspects of Nyatlo’s affidavit and disputing the conflation of historic tax disputes, regulatory issues, and criminal allegations.

In his submission, Mazzotti stated, “Carnilinx respectfully submits that portions of the affidavit appear to conflate historical regulatory matters, unresolved tax disputes, media reports and industry commentary with evidence of present-day criminality.”

Public Reaction And Institutional Pressure

Yusuf Abramjee, founder of Tax Justice SA, has publicly questioned the NPA’s failure to prosecute Mazzotti given what he termed “serious crimes involving tax fraud, illicit tobacco trading and attempts to corrupt public officials.” Speaking in response to the commission’s recent hearings, Abramjee said, “The NPA must address one simple but very crucial question. If someone admits to serious crimes involving tax fraud, illicit tobacco trading and attempts to corrupt public officials, why was there apparently no criminal prosecution?”

The evidence has intensified demands for meaningful accountability and transparency in the enforcement of anti-corruption laws, particularly given the commission’s broader mandate to probe the integrity of state institutions. No official response has been issued by the NPA following these renewed calls for action.

The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025. Its remit includes investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the justice system, with current hearings casting a spotlight on influential figures in the tobacco industry and their relationship with the state.

Further testimony and institutional responses are expected as the hearings continue into August. The NPA has not yet confirmed whether it will re-examine the case or open a formal inquiry in response to the commission’s evidence.