Sequestration order against Malema over taxes postponed to June

THE PROVISIONAL sequestration order against EFFleader Julius Malema in connection with his outstanding tax bill has been postponed to June 1.

“I rule that the matter be extended to June 1. Costs reserved,” said Pretoria High Court Judge Ferdi Preller.

In August, Malema denied media reports that alleged cigarette smuggler Adriano Mazzotti was helping him pay his tax bill.

At the time there were reports that the SA Revenue Service was investigating the source of his tax debt repayments, but it would not comment at the time.

In February last year, Judge Bill Prinsloo ordered that Malema’s estate be provisionally sequestrated. This was extended in May and again in August, and the matter was postponed.

Malema previously admitted he had not attended to his tax affairs the way the law required.

According to court papers, Malema owed Sars R16 million, plus interest, after failing to submit tax returns between 2006 and 2010.

In 2010, Sars contacted Malema about his failure to submit tax returns. It took Malema 18 months to file his outstanding returns.

Malema had also failed to register his Ratanang Family Trust for tax purposes, and Sars had to do this on his behalf. Ratanang is the name of Malema’s young son.

Sars attached some of Malema’s properties, including a farm in Limpopo and a house still under construction in Joburg, to recoup some of the taxes he owed.

A final sequestration order could affect Malema’s political career, as he would no longer be allowed to serve as an MP. – Sapa