The estranged wife of controversial businessman, Edwin Sodi, has been slapped with an almost R50-million tax bill by the South African Revenue Services ( Sars).
Sunday World can exclusively reveal that Nthateng Matsoleli Lerata, who separated from Sodi a few years ago and is heading for divorce, owes Sars over R49.9-million in personal income tax.
The shocking titbits came to the fore after Sars obtained a summons against Lerata at the high court in Joburg about three weeks ago.
According to the papers, which we have seen, Lerata owed Sars over R11.7-million in personal income tax.
She, according to the papers, also owed Sars over R18.6-million in additional tax. The quantum ballooned to over R49.9-million after the debt accrued more than R18.9-million in interest.
As if that were not enough, Sars also imposed over R2 000 in administrative penalties on her.
Before applying for judgment, Sars sent Lerata a final letter of demand on November 29 last year, threatening to attach and sell her assets if she did not pay the full amount within 10 business days.
Sars also threatened to sequestrate or liquidate Lerata, the former Capricorn FM presenter, if she did not pay the dizzying amount.
Sars informed Lerata that she had failed to pay her tax debt for “one more tax year”.
“Overdue amount: R48 374 551, latest account statement balance. You are requested to make full payment within 10 business days from the day of this letter of demand,” reads the letter.
The Jozi-based businesswoman was also asked to apply for certain remedies within 10 business days from the date on which the letter was written to her. The remedies, according to the letter, include applying for the suspension of the debt if she wanted to dispute it.
Lerata, who claimed that she was Sodi’s equal business partner in their business ventures, was also advised to apply for the compromise of a portion of the staggering amount if this would provide a higher return to the fiscus than liquidation, sequestration, or other collection measures.
The couple’s business ventures include Blackhead Consulting, Blackhead Investment, Phirie Construction, Base Properties and G5 Group,
Sars also warned her that if she failed to make full payment or use the recommended remedies, it might appoint a third party who would owe her or hold money for her to settle the tax debt.
Attempts to solicit comment from Lerata drew a blank as she ignored our phone calls and the questions we sent her.
