Durban – A dramatic raid on the La Lucia mansion of businesswoman and Royal AM football club boss Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize has resulted in the seizure of over 40 firearms, ammunition, and luxury vehicles worth an estimated R22 million.
The raid followed unsuccessful attempts by SARS to obtain necessary documents from Mkhize and her son, Andile, as part of an ongoing tax inquiry. The authorities bypassed the security of a safe within the property, utilising a locksmith to gain access. Inside, they discovered not only the cache of firearms and ammunition but also a significant quantity of documents, all of which were confiscated.
The raid, part of an ongoing dispute between Mamkhize and SARS over an outstanding tax bill of approximately R40 million, resulted in the seizure of more than 40 firearms, ranging from high-calibre rifles and pistols to shotguns, along with substantial ammunition. While Mamkhize was reportedly absent during the raid, her daughter Sibahle Mpisane and daughter-in-law Tamia were present.
Initial discoveries included six firearms found in a car boot and others hidden under a blanket. The security guard on duty was unable to identify the owners of these weapons, as they lacked the necessary licences. The search intensified when officers discovered an unmounted safe in the garage. A locksmith was summoned to open the safe, revealing a far larger arsenal of approximately 40 to 50 rifles and shotguns, along with additional ammunition.
Her daughter-in-law, Tamia Mpisane was questioned by police but later released. A source close to the raid confirmed that the confiscated firearms and other evidence were transported to a Durban police station for ballistic testing to determine if they were used in any criminal activity.
The raid extended beyond Mamkhize's La Lucia residence, encompassing properties linked to her, including a Sandhurst property in Johannesburg, a farm in Pietermaritzburg, and a four-storey house in Enkanyezini near Pietermaritzburg. SARS confirmed that the Durban High Court had granted a preservation order and search-and-seizure warrant in relation to the tax matter, dating back to 2018.
The seized luxury vehicles – including a Mercedes-Benz G-wagon, a Ferrari, a Maserati, and a Rolls-Royce Ghost – are currently under the control of a curator, pending the outcome of the tax investigation. SARS is seeking R37 million from Mkhize, and if this amount remains unpaid, the vehicles will be auctioned.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the firearms belonged to a prominent former presidential protection services officer, now a taxi boss, who provides security for Mkhize. This individual, whose identity is known to the news crew, also owns the security companies VVIP Protection and VIP Security. Despite promises to comment, he remained unavailable for contact following the raid.
Police sources raised concerns about the legality of storing the firearms at Mkhize's residence, highlighting that the Firearms Act requires written permission from the firearm owner and SAPS consent for a licensed individual to store another's firearms. Furthermore, six additional firearms were discovered hidden under sheets within the property.
“The guns that were recovered included rifles, shotguns and handguns, plus 200 rounds of ammunition. The Durban North SAPS has taken the firearms for ballistic testing. The owner of the firearms hasn’t come forward to claim them,” said one official involved in the investigation.
The police operation was extensive, involving a large contingent of officers from various units, including the tactical unit, Hawks, and an organised crime unit. They surrounded the mansion early Tuesday morning, scaling the high walls to gain access from multiple points.
At the guardhouse, a security officer was apprehended after it was discovered that his firearm licences had expired. He was found with a rifle and a pistol, improperly stored, along with additional firearms concealed under a blanket and in his car's boot.
Inside the garage, two safes were discovered. One was empty, while the other contained the 40 seized firearms and ammunition. The firearms were linked to the taxi boss's security company, but their licences had expired, raising further legal concerns. The improper wall mounting of the safe, a violation of the Firearms Control Act, also drew attention.
The police's investigation revealed that Mkhize had distanced herself from the firearms, claiming they belonged to the taxi boss. Her daughter-in-law, Tamia Mpisane, initially claimed responsibility for the property, leading to her arrest. However, she was later released after her lawyer promised the firearm owner would claim them, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
The firearms have been sent for ballistic testing to determine if they were involved in any criminal activity. The police initially intended to charge Tamia Mpisane with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Separate incidents involving confrontations between SARS officials and armed guards protecting Mkhize, once on a Pietermaritzburg farm and again in Johannesburg, further heightened concerns. In Pietermaritzburg, Mkhize reportedly arrived with a kombi full of armed guards, causing SARS officials to retreat. This incident, along with the earlier Johannesburg confrontation, contributed to the significant police presence during Tuesday's raid.
A senior police officer commented on the nature of Mkhize's security detail: “MAMKHIZE’S PROTECTORS “ARE NOT NORMAL SECURITY GUARDS”. This statement is linked to the April assassination attempt on Advocate Coreth Naudé, who represents SARS in the Mkhize tax inquiry. Naudé was wounded three times in a shooting near a Durban hotel.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter lauded the successful search warrant, stating it represented “a crucial step in Sars’ strategic objective to make it increasingly difficult and costly for taxpayers to wilfully and intentionally engage in criminal activity.” He highlighted SARS's ongoing investigations within the construction industry and emphasised the organisation's commitment to upholding tax laws.
Kieswetter stressed that SARS would not hesitate to pursue its mandate, regardless of an individual's social standing, and that no one is above the law. He underscored the importance of tax compliance for supporting vulnerable members of society.
Despite attempts to obtain a comment, Mkhize remained unavailable. The incident continues to generate significant public interest and raises questions about the security arrangements surrounding high-profile individuals and the enforcement of firearms regulations in South Africa.
