Police and officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) raided the multi-million rand Durban mansion owned by reality TV star and businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mpisane, reportedly over a 37million rand debt she reportedly owes the taxman.
The home is thought to be jointly owned by MaMkhize and her ex-husband, Sbu Mpisane. However, the raid was reportedly focused on the west wing of the mansion, where Mamkhize resides.
In a statement, Sars said the raid was part of its “effort to combat tax evasion and criminal activity that undermines the country’s economy”.
Sars said in August that it was making progress in the matter against MaMkhize.
“This decision is a crucial step in Sars’s strategic objective to make it increasingly hard and costly for taxpayers who wilfully and intentionally engage in criminal activity.
“Over the past few years, Sars has been diligently investigating and cracking down on the construction industry so that it complies with tax laws.”
Judge President Poyo Dlwati of the Durban High Court issued a warrant for search and seizure in favour of SARS against MaMkhize on Thursday, 21 November.
Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said MaMkhize is not above the law.
“Sars will not waiver in executing its mandate without fear, favour, or prejudice, regardless of any persons’ standing in society,” he said.
“Today’s search-and-seizure operation must communicate an unambiguous message to all that law-enforcement agencies will act to stop lawlessness.
“The most vulnerable in our society, the aged, and children depend on the state through taxes to assuage and mitigate poverty, unemployment, and hunger. Any wilful defiance of the law will be resisted.”
