Tax Evasion Charges Lead Duma Ka Ndlovu to Court

Film producer Duma Ka Ndlovu, along with co-accused Rodney Mutsharini and Maxwell Mloyi, faces charges relating to alleged tax evasion spanning several years. The allegations suggest that fraudulent activities were undertaken to avoid paying taxes, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) purportedly losing an estimated R25 million as a result.

During a court appearance at the Specialised Crime Court in Palm Ridge, Duma Ka Ndlovu’s legal representative argued for the exclusion of media from the proceedings, citing concerns over the exposure of sensitive personal and family information. The lawyer pointed out that the premature disclosure of details such as Ndlovu’s income and late application forms could jeopardize his family’s privacy.

According to reports, the issues stem from financial misconduct allegations concerning Ka Ndlovu’s company, Ambrobrite. The company reportedly misrepresented its income and corporate tax filings, raising significant concerns for SARS. Mutsharini, a former tax practitioner, and Mloyi are alleged by the state to have assisted Ka Ndlovu in these misrepresentations.

The lawyer representing Ka Ndlovu further argued against media coverage, noting that there had been a failure to provide adequate notice, claiming this denied their client time to prepare sufficient arguments against the coverage. Despite these objections, Ndlovu appeared poised and composed during the proceedings.

The charges against Ka Ndlovu could result in a possible fine or imprisonment of no more than two years if he is found guilty. The case centers on Ambrobrite’s agreement with Bain & Company, wherein it reportedly received R8.4 million between 2014 and 2016 for advisory services. Notably, Athol Williams, a former partner at Bain SA, testified at a state capture commission that Ambrobrite’s compensation was disproportionately higher than for similar advisory roles typically filled by experienced CEOs or public officials.

Further contributing to the narrative, it came to light that Duma Ka Ndlovu had a previous criminal conviction for a minor traffic offense, for which he was fined R50. He has pleaded not guilty to the current charges.

The proceedings were initially delayed due to flight issues, as reported by a source close to the case. The police had gone to Ndlovu’s residence for his arrest but eventually contacted him at the airport. Despite these logistical challenges, Duma Ka Ndlovu surrendered himself at the Brackendowns police station.