News24 reports that the SA Revenue Services and the Hawks raided the La Lucia home of controversial Durban tycoon Sbu Mpisane this morning.
“I can confirm that our guys are there. We are carrying out search and seizure,” said Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay.
According to the report, Lackay said the court had granted an order for the operation as part of an “ongoing investigation”.
The news agency Sapa reported that Mpisane, a former Durban metro police officer, came under scrutiny when it emerged he and his wife Shawn owned a fleet of expensive cars including a Rolls Royce Phantom and Lamborghinis. He was still a police officer when the story broke.
In 2009, it was reported the couple had received R219m from the eThekwini municipality to build low-income houses on 4 500 sites in Umlazi. The National Home Builders’ Registration Council found defects in more than 1 000 of 3 000 houses built by Zikhulise Cleaning and Transport, owned by the Mpisanes.
Of the defects, 30% were serious and would require major renovations.
The Mpisanes are known for their lavish parties, which are attended by politicians and celebrities. – Sapa