Attempt on SARS Investigator's Life: Hitmen ‘Imported’ from Cape Town in High-Stakes Drama

In a chilling incident that underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officials in South Africa, two men have been arrested for the attempted assassination of South African Revenue Services (SARS) forensic investigator, Advocate Coreth Naude. The alleged hitmen, identified as Siyanda Emmanuel Mbulwana, 29, and Mcebisi Runeyi, 28, were reportedly 'imported' from Cape Town to carry out the attack in Durban.

The event transpired in July, when Naude was ambushed while driving into the Premier Hotel in Durban. According to reports from the Durban Magistrate’s Court, the assailants opened fire on Naude’s vehicle. Despite being targeted, Naude managed to escape immediate danger by driving into the hotel premises where she received emergency medical services before being transported to a hospital.

The attack appears to be intricately linked to Naude’s investigative work into a high-profile tax evasion case involving prominent businesswoman Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize. This connection surfaced after several of Mkhize's assets were seized by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Assets Forfeiture Unit as part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the shooting, the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Murder and Robbery Unit spearheaded a thorough investigation, tracing the suspects back to Mitchells Plain and Milnerton in Cape Town. This swift action led to their arrest and has been praised as a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

The criminal attempt on Naude’s life has been vehemently condemned by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter. He described the incident as a blatant attempt to intimidate officers from executing their duties but reaffirmed that such incidents would not deter the agency's resolve to fight corruption and financial crimes across South Africa.

The implications of this incident are profound, highlighting the severe risks and challenges that investigative entities face, especially when dealing with cases tied to influential figures. These risks are underscored by the alleged importation of hitmen across provincial lines, suggesting a level of organizational capability and intent that poses a significant threat to the rule of law.

As the legal proceedings unfold, with Mbulwana and Runeyi due for a formal bail hearing soon, the focus on protecting public servants and ensuring the integrity of judicial processes has never been more critical. South Africa continues to grapple with organized crime and its pervasive impact on various sectors, including its revenue collection agency.

This incident not only puts a spotlight on the individual risks faced by SARS personnel but also reflects broader systemic challenges within the South African context of combating financial crimes and ensuring public safety.