M&G: Mpisane wife arrested in hunt for the duo’s R140m assets

http://mg.co.za/article/2013-02-07-npa-seizes-mpisanes-cars-and-properties-worth-over-r40m>

Mpisane wife arrested in hunt for the duo’s R140m assets

Shawn Mpisane, one half of the controversial Mpisane couple, has been arrested on allegations of fraud as NPA search for assets worth R140-million.

According to IOL, the Durban businessperson was arrested on Thursday and is expected to appear in the Commercial Crimes Court.

On Tuesday, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit an order authorising it to freeze and seize R140-million in property.

The National Prosecuting Authority on Wednesday said luxury cars valued at around R22-million were seized from former Durban metro police officer Sibusiso Mpisane and his wife.

The cars included a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Rolls-Royce Ghost, a Maserati, a Ferrari Scaglietti, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo and a Panamera Turbo, two armoured BMW 5 Series and two Hummers, the NPA said in a statement on Wednesday.

Various construction vehicles seized were valued at about R4.5-million.

Four fixed properties – including Mpisane’s home – valued at about R25-million were also seized.

The NPA said other assets were still being identified.

Inflating invoices

Shawn, who has been convicted of tax fraud, is on trial in the Durban Regional Court for alleged tax evasion.

She is accused of, among other things, inflating invoices by more than R5-million to cut her tax bill. She has pleaded not guilty.

“Since she [Shawn] is married in community of property to her husband, it includes all property owned by the couple,” the NPA said.

“This is one of the largest cases ever done by the Asset Forfeiture Unit, and is a significant blow in the fight against corruption.”

Past scandals

In 2011 the Mail & Guardian reported that Mpisane claimed her company had received no money from the municipality since October 2009. But records showed that more than R50-million was transferred electronically from the eThekwini municipality to Zikhulise in November and December 2009, weeks before the Mpisanes hosted a glitzy New Year’s Eve bash.

The Mpisanes made headlines again when they splurged almost R1-million on birthday and wedding celebrations in a single weekend. Shawn presented her husband with a white R1.8-million Maserati GranCabrio at his 40th birthday party at their La Lucia home.

Earlier that day the couple renewed their wedding vows at the five-star Fairmont Hotel and Resort in Zimbali. The 180 guests included Khulubuse Zuma, billionaire businessman Vivian Reddy and businessperson Kenny Kunene.

Oysters, sushi, champagne and three different types of French cognac were on the menu. The flowers alone reportedly cost R300 000. “We are a couple who like class,” Sibusiso told journalists. – Additional reporting by Sapa