R15.9 Million Court Blow Hits DJ Sbu — Sheriff Now Authorised to Seize His Assets

South African media personality and businessman Arthur Sibusiso Leope, popularly known as DJ Sbu, is facing mounting financial pressure following a default judgment granted against him by the Johannesburg High Court approximately two weeks ago.

The Mo Faya energy drink founder is reportedly dealing with a substantial tax debt after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) secured the judgment over unpaid taxes.

According to the reported figures, the outstanding amount includes approximately R8.2 million in unpaid personal income tax, more than R7.6 million in accumulated interest and R60,500 in administrative penalties. This brings the total claim to approximately R15.9 million.

SARS initially issued a final demand on 25 June 2026, indicating that Leope owed R15.7 million. However, the amount reportedly increased by around R200,000 before the court judgment was finalised.

The revenue service is said to have warned Leope about the enforcement measures available to recover the outstanding debt. These include approaching third parties holding money on his behalf and obtaining a warrant allowing the sheriff to seize and auction his assets.

The dispute reportedly escalated after Leope was given ten business days to settle the debt or seek relief. Available options included negotiating an instalment agreement, requesting a compromise or applying for the suspension of payment while disputing an assessment.

SARS subsequently approached the Johannesburg High Court after the deadline passed without the matter being resolved.

If a warrant is issued and executed, assets linked to Leope could potentially be seized and sold to recover the outstanding amount. However, the extent of any enforcement action has not been confirmed.

Leope’s legal representatives have yet to publicly clarify whether he intends to challenge the judgment, dispute the assessment or negotiate a payment arrangement.

The developments have raised questions about the future of the businessman, who built the Mo Faya brand from humble beginnings into a nationally distributed beverage business.

For now, the matter remains unresolved, with the potential financial consequences of the SARS judgment still unfolding.

https://x.com/i/status/2116924671492759894

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