SARS raids businesswoman Shauwn MKhize's mansion
SARS raided businesswoman Shauwn MKhize's La Lucia mansion in Durban yesterday in what is believed to be a tax-related matter, reports TimesLIVE.
The businesswoman and owner of Royal AM soccer club, popularly known as ‘MaMkhize’, reportedly owes SARS R37m in back taxes. SARS said it secured a preservation order and a search-and-seizure warrant from the KZN High Court (Durban).
‘The orders were obtained to prevent the dissipation of realisable assets which could hinder the collection of taxes and to secure evidence of potential non-compliance with tax laws administered by the SARS commissioner,’ it said.
SARS said the raid was a ‘crucial step’ in making it difficult and costly for ‘taxpayers who wilfully and intentionally engage in criminal activity’.
‘Over the past few years, SARS has been investigating and cracking down on the construction industry so that it complies with tax laws. This enforcement action is one of many steps SARS has taken in collaboration with the SAPS and the (Hawks) to uphold the integrity of our tax system.’
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police escorted SARS officials to the home of Mkhize’s son Andile Mpisane.
‘No-one is above the law. It is critically important that SARS acts emphatically to ensure all meet their legal obligations. Today’s search-and-seizure operation must communicate an unambiguous message to all that law enforcement agencies will act to stop lawlessness,’ said SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.
According to City Press, SARS wants more documents from Mkhize related to the outstanding tax debt. Mkhize’s family entity, Shandi Trust, allegedly owes SARS R37 915 549.
It is understood that SARS investigators wanted employee records, including employment contracts, payslips, payroll, disciplinary processes, employee tax returns, employee tax reconciliations and fringe benefit calculations.
The revenue collector has already attached luxury cars, including a Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce owned by Shandi Trust and Royal AM.
SARS wants to dispose of all the assets owned by the entity and auction off the cars to recover the outstanding taxes.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
