SARS and Police Raid Properties Belonging to Shauwn Mkhize in Tax Debt Dispute
South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials and police conducted a raid on properties owned by controversial businesswoman and Royal AM Football Club owner, Shauwn Mkhize. The raid targeted Mkhize’s La Lucia home in Durban and the Royal AM clubhouse, Royal Ranch, near Maqongqo in Pietermaritzburg.
Locksmiths were present at both locations as the operation aimed to preserve and secure assets while searching for documents related to an outstanding tax debt of nearly R40 million. Reports indicate that SARS investigators were looking for employee records, including contracts, pay slips, payroll details, and tax returns.
It is alleged that Mkhize owes R37,915,549 in tax debt linked to the Shandi Trust, a family entity. SARS had obtained a search warrant from the Durban High Court last Thursday to carry out the raid. The court order granted the warrant based on the documents presented by SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter.
Heavily armed police accompanied the authorities during the raid, with an armoured car stationed outside Mkhize’s Durban home in La Lucia. SARS has already attached luxury cars, such as a Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce, owned by Shandi Trust and Royal AM, with the intention to auction off the assets to recover the outstanding taxes.
In a statement issued by SARS, the revenue collector expressed satisfaction with the operation, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to combat tax evasion and criminal activities that harm the country’s economy. SARS commissioner Kieswetter made it clear that Mkhize is not above the law and that the agency will continue to enforce tax laws without bias.
The raid at the Royal Ranch property saw police refusing access to journalists and photographers. The details of the items retrieved from the properties remained unclear, but a Royal AM branded van was seen being towed away from the Royal Ranch property. The raid concluded just in time for the Royal AM players to depart for their game against Golden Arrows at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
The incident serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will act decisively against any form of lawlessness, regardless of an individual’s social status. The story was originally reported by The Witness.
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