The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently raided the home of Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, also known as MaMkhize, in a move to tackle tax evasion and criminal activities damaging the country’s economy. The raid followed the issuance of a preservation order and a search-and-seizure warrant by the Durban High Court, aimed at preventing the loss of assets and securing evidence of potential tax violations.
SARS explained that the operation was designed to make it more difficult and costly for individuals involved in criminal activities, ensuring that realisable assets, which can be easily converted into cash, are not dissipated before taxes are collected.
Previously, MaMkhize’s assets, including a collection of luxury vehicles, were seized as part of an investigation into unpaid taxes. On the day of the raid, police were seen outside her mansion, with specialists entering the property to carry out their duties.
MaMkhize’s dealings with SARS are not new. In 2020, her company, Zikhuluse Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, was ordered into liquidation after accumulating over R200 million in unpaid taxes. SARS has been intensifying its crackdown on the construction sector to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter stressed that the agency will continue to pursue its mandate without fear or favour, underscoring that no individual is above the law. He emphasized that taxes play a critical role in addressing social issues like poverty and unemployment, and any defiance of the law will be met with strong resistance.
In addition to her business ventures, MaMkhize recently made headlines by purchasing football club Bloemfontein Celtic FC, now renamed Royal AM FC, for R50 million. She also appears on a reality TV show. Her late mother, Dumazile Flora Mkhize, was a former ANC councillor and founded Zikhulise Cleaning, which secured government tenders.
SARS continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and the South African Police Service, in efforts to preserve the integrity of the country’s tax system.
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