By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) in KZN confirmed that SARS is raiding the La Lucia home of controversial businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize.
Fullview learnt that the raid took place this afternoon.
Police officers were seen inside the property where a locksmith and safe specialist entered carrying drills and other equipment.
Our source also confirmed that more searches are taking place at the businesswoman’s other properties in Pietermaritzburg, and Sandton.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda, said the police escorted Sars officials to the home of Mkhize.
Mkhize is in trouble with SARS once again over R37 million owed in outstanding taxes.
On Thursday, the revenue collector approached the Durban High Court seeking a search warrant which was granted.
This is not the first time Mkhize has been in trouble with revenue services. In 2013, her assets were seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) over a dispute with SARS.
The millions owed by companies linked to the reality star are just an added part of her tax woes, she also owes R12 million in personal taxes.
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”.
“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.”
Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said Mkhize 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.”
Mkhize is the owner of Premier Soccer League club, Royal AM, which has been in hot water with football body FIFA over a breach of contract matter worth R15 million.