Sars pounces on Shauwn Mkhize's KZN mansion after high court grants raid

The reason for the raid is not yet clear but Sars says it will go after those who break the law

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) raided Shauwn MKhize's La Lucia mansion in Durban on Tuesday in what is believed to be a tax-related matter.

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 Durban high court in a case against Mkhize and others.

“The orders were obtained to prevent the dissipation of realisable assets which could hinder the collection of taxes and to secure evidence of potential noncompliance 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.”

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda told TimesLIVE police escorted Sars officials to the home of Mkhize’s son Andile Mpisane.

Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the revenue collector would continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice regardless of who the person is.

“No-one is above the law. It is critically important that Sars acts emphatically to ensure all meet their legal obligations. Today’s [Tuesday] search-and-seizure operation must communicate an unambiguous message to all that law enforcement agencies will act to stop lawlessness,” Kieswetter said.

“The most vulnerable in our society, the aged, the children, depend on the state through taxes to assuage and mitigate poverty, unemployment and hunger. Any wilful defiance of the law will be resisted.”

TimesLIVE