Sars, Hawks raid tycoon's home

2011-06-01 11:06

Durban - The SA Revenue Services and the Hawks raided the home of controversial Durban tycoon Sbu Mpisane on Wednesday morning.

"I can confirm that our guys are there. We are carrying out search and seizure," said Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay.

He said the court had granted an order for the operation as part of an "ongoing investigation".

Lackay refused to divulge further information, saying that details would follow once charges had been formalised.

Mpisane, a former Durban metro police officer, came under scrutiny when it emerged he and his wife Shawn were super-rich with 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 that the couple had 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 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