Mpisane now facing 173 tax charges

2011-11-24 11:24

Durban - The State has increased the number of tax related charges against Durban businesswoman Shawn Mpisane, the Mercury newspaper reported on Thursday.

Mpisane's charges moved from a provisional 59 to 173. The amount said to be involved rose from R2.5m to R4.7m.

The SA Revenue Services has laid criminal charges against her company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport.

She is out on R50 000 bail for alleged fraud and forgery.

Lavish lifestyle

Mpisane came under scrutiny when it emerged that her husband, Sbu, a former Durban metro policeman, had been spotted driving expensive cars. He was still a police officer when the story broke.

It has been widely reported that the couple is "super-rich" with a fleet of luxury cars including a Rolls Royce Phantom and Lamborghinis.

They also own a R15m mansion, and are known for their lavish parties which are attended by politicians and celebrities.

In 2009, Mpisane reportedly received R219m from the eThekwini municipality to build low-income houses on 4 500 sites in Umlazi.

However, the National Home Builders' Registration Council found defects in more than 1 000 of 3 000 houses built by Zikhulise.

Of the defects, 30% were serious and would require major renovations.

The matter was adjourned for February 6.

- SAPA