Leeroy Sidambe, the tycoon boyfriend of popular model Mihlali Ndamase, has been slapped with a whopping R30-million tax bill by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) for dodging tax obligations for about a year.
The shocking news came to the fore when Sars applied for judgment against Sidambe at the Joburg high court last week.
According to the court papers, which we have seen, Sidambe owed Sars over R24.5-million in unpaid personal tax.
But the quantum ballooned to over R30-million after the taxman levied penalties to the debt.
Before applying for judgment, Sars sent Sidambe a letter on October 17, threatening to attach and sell his assets if he did not pay the full amount within 10 business days.
It also threatened to sequestrate or liquidate him if he did not pay the dizzying debt.
Sars informed Sidambe that he had failed to pay his tax debt for “one more tax year”.
“Overdue amount R29 955 350.74, 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 businessman was also asked to apply for certain remedies within 10 business days from the date on which the letter was written to him.
The remedies, according to the letter, include applying for the suspension of the debt if he wanted to dispute it.
Sidambe, who runs a big security company under his holding company Sakhile Ezweni Group, was also advised to apply for the compromise of the portion of the staggering amount if this would provide a higher return to the fiscus than liquidation, sequestration or other collection measures.
Sars also warned him that if he failed to make full payment or use the recommended remedies, it might appoint a third party who would owe him or hold money for him to settle the tax debt.
“A civil judgment being entered against you in which case a warrant of execution may be issued for the sheriff of the court to attach and settle your assets,” reads the letter.
Sars also said, in addition to the remedies, and in anticipation that it might appoint a third party, Sidambe should apply within five business days after the receipt of the letter, a reduction of the hefty amount.
This would be based on his and his dependants’ living expenses.
But it appeared Sidambe could not make representations to settle with Sars, hence the decision by the latter to proceed to obtain judgment against him.
When contacted for comment, Sidambe said he was not aware of the judgment.
