This week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and multiple law enforcement agencies executed a significant raid on the La Lucia mansion of businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize.
It has been alleged that over 40 firearms, a vast quantity of ammunition, and luxury vehicles were seized from Mkhize's properties in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Johannesburg during the operation.
SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko reported to the Sunday Tribune that a complete inventory of confiscated items has not yet been finalized. However, a reliable source revealed crucial details about the raid to the publication.
The source disclosed that Mkhize claimed the weapons were not hers but belonged to a security company operated by a taxi boss who runs long-distance taxi services at the Durban Station taxi rank.
Despite this assertion, “the registered company address is in Coastlands, yet the 40 unlicensed firearms were discovered in La Lucia,” the source stated.
“The recovered firearms included rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition. The Durban North SAPS is conducting ballistic testing on the firearms.”
Furthermore, a security guard was arrested on Tuesday with six firearms concealed under sheets, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Due to confidentiality laws between SARS and taxpayers, the exact amount Mkhize owes remains undisclosed.
Affectionately known as Mam’Mkhize, she has dominated headlines all week as a result of the raid, intensifying her ongoing confrontation with tax authorities. This latest raid follows a preservation order issued by the Durban High Court, which authorized SARS, the South African Police Service, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to carry out a thorough search and seizure operation at Mkhize’s multimillion-rand La Lucia property.
Authorities have firmly attached several of Mkhize’s high-value assets, including luxury supercars, her football club Royal AM FC, and the Shandi Trust, as they pursue the recovery of outstanding tax payments.
A video circulating on social media captured luxury cars linked to Mkhize, including a Mercedes-Benz Maybach, BMW X4 or X6, Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, Toyota Hilux Legend 50, and Mercedes-Benz Z-Class being towed.
Despite her active presence on social media—especially Instagram—where she boasts 3.6 million followers, Mkhize has refrained from posting anything since the Monday prior to the raid, clearly reflecting the gravity of her situation.
IOL News