Another day, another scandal in the republic as word of a raid conducted by a coalition of the SAPS, SARS and the Hawks on popular socialite and business woman Dr Shauwn Mkhize’s La Lucia home spreads rapidly.
Like many other figures in the entertainment industry, Dr Shauwn Mkhize is somewhat of a controversial presence in the industry for multiple reasons, one of which is linked to her past endeavours involving her company building subpar RDP houses that negatively affected the lives of many civilians. Her exorbitant wealth is also constantly questioned by the public as they continuously speculate about its roots.
According to IOL, the SAPS acted on a search and seizure warrant granted by the Durban High Court by storming the unsuspecting socialite’s residence. Reports reveal that a fleet of approximately 15 cars was seen parked outside the La Lucia residents as officials conducted the raid.
There is a heavy police presence outside the La Lucia mansion of a prominent Durban socialite and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize.
It’s where police have confirmed they are accompanying SARS officials who are believed to be conducting a raid linked to her tax affairs. @Logic_Malinga pic.twitter.com/18t9ybQ4IP— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) November 26, 2024
Tax evasion is believe to be the root cause of this intense operation, and the implementation of the measures such as granting preservation order reiterates SARS’ goal to make it as difficult as possible for taxpayers to engage in criminal activities and evade taxes. Shauwn is believed to owe SARS roughly R13 million in unpaid taxes.
“Today’s (Tuesday) 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,” says SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter.
Those who have followed Shauwn throughout the years know that this is not the entrepreneur’s first rodeo with SARS and law enforcement officials as she went through a similar ordeal years ago while still married to her popular ex-husband Sbu Mpisane. Furthermore, the businesswoman was convicted of VAT fraud and owed about R204 million in taxes, which was paid off through the liquidation of one of her company’s.
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