Five Sandown properties sold despite MaMkhize’s objections – Court backs SARS’ $35m claim

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has secured a court order authorizing the sale of five luxury properties in Sandton, Johannesburg, linked to businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, in an effort to recover approximately R125.9 million in outstanding tax debts.

The decision, handed down by Judge Jacqueline Henriques on Monday, October 26, 2026, marks a significant escalation in SARS’s ongoing legal battle against the reality television personality and her associated businesses.

The court order allows a curator appointed by the court, Willem Jacobus Venter, to proceed with the sale of the properties, which have a combined estimated market value of R35 million, though a forced sale value of R24.5 million has been established.

The ruling stems from a growing concern regarding the financial upkeep of the properties, with mounting costs for security, insurance, and maintenance significantly impacting their value.

According to court documents, the properties, registered in the names of Israeli businessman Yaron Peretz and 22 Aston Investment (Pty) Ltd, have faced substantial financial strain due to ongoing expenses.

The situation highlights a complex interplay of financial obligations and legal challenges.

SARS is pursuing a debt that includes R13.3 million in Mkhize’s personal income tax, accrued with interest as of September 2025, and a further R112.5 million linked to the Zikhulise Group, where she serves as trustee and beneficiary.

The revenue service has already made some headway, recovering approximately R6.1 million through the sale of assets, including vehicles and luxury goods.

However, the court’s decision to authorize the sale of the properties suggests a determination to address the core issue of outstanding tax liabilities.

It’s worth noting that MaMkhize, along with her son Andile Mpisane and related entities, initially contested the application, arguing that the sale was premature and lacked sufficient urgency.

They also expressed concerns about the potential loss of their primary residence.

Judge Henriques, however, dismissed these arguments, asserting that the escalating costs and deterioration of the properties warranted immediate action to preserve their value.

Her reasoning, as stated in the judgment, emphasized the importance of fulfilling tax obligations, stating, “Paying tax is not a punishment, it is a responsibility.” The legal process is expected to continue, with SARS needing to secure a definitive ruling on the use of the proceeds from the sale.

The money will initially be held in a trust account, pending further legal proceedings to establish the lawful basis for utilizing the funds to settle the outstanding tax debts.

This protracted process underscores the complexities of tax enforcement and the significant resources involved in such cases.

The preservation order, initially issued in November 2024, has now been reinforced by this court order, signaling the seriousness with which SARS is approaching this particular financial dispute.

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