Breakthrough in Attempted Murder Case Involving SARS Advocate Investigating MaMkhize

In a significant development that has captured the attention of South Africa, two men were arrested related to the attempted murder of Coreth Naudé, a senior advocate working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Naudé was involved in probing several high-profile tax evasion cases, including that of Shauwn "MaMkhize" Mkhize, a prominent businesswoman and reality TV star.

The suspects, identified as Siyanda Emmanuel Mbulwana (29) and Mcebisi Runeyi (28), face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a semi-automatic rifle, and attempted murder. Their arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation which led authorities to Cape Town suburbs where both men were apprehended separately on 17 December.

This case traces back to a chilling incident on 18 July when Naudé was ambushed and shot at while entering a hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. Despite being struck three times in the upper body and face, Naudé managed to survive the attack thanks to the swift medical attention she received on-site before being rushed to a hospital.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Murder and Robbery Unit, has been intense, tracking down every possible lead. The case highlights a grim underworld of tax evasion intertwined with violent crime, putting at risk those who stand against corruption and malfeasance.

MaMkhize has been a figure of controversy, especially with SARS claiming she owes a staggering R37 million in unpaid taxes. Her luxurious lifestyle was spotlighted when authorities raided her mansion, seizing numerous high-end vehicles and finding an astonishing array of firearms.

These events are not isolated but part of a broader pattern that saw the tragic loss of Cloete Murray and his son, previous colleagues of Naudé, reinforcing the dangerous nature of high-stakes tax investigations in South Africa.

Efforts to combat such criminal activities continue, as articulated by SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter, emphasizing the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of the nation's fiscal policies and economic health.

As the court adjourned the matter to 30 December for bail consideration, the broader implications of this case resonate across the country, highlighting urgent issues of accountability and the safety of those who pursue justice.