Real Housewives directors in court on tax evasion charge

Share the Article:

Real Housewives director and actress Sonia Mbele failed to appear at the Johannesburg magistrates’ over tax evasion charge.

Mbele alongside her co-business partners, Yolisa Gqunta and Rebone Sesing are facing a charge for contravening the tax administration act.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane, the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson,
Mbele submitted a medical certificate stating that she is booked off sick until October 3, 2023.

However, the magistrate deemed the medical certificate not suitable and would not accept it.

“The trio who are directors of Real Housewives of South Africa (Pty) Ltd are facing 42 counts of not filing company income tax from 2019 to 2022, not filing their Value Added Tax (VAT) returns from 2020 to 2022 and also not filing their Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) from 2020 until 2022,” Mjonondwane said.

The case was postponed to October 5 with a warrant of arrest for Mbele held over until next appearance.

Her co-accused opted for Legal Aid though it was yet to be determined whether they qualified.

ALSO READ | Tshwane welcomes investigation into failed Rooiwal tender

Meanwhile, the Rustenburg regional court has issued a warrant of arrest against Betty Diale for failing to appear in court.

Diale, 52, is facing six charges of theft, amounting to approximately R700 000, allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants.

She was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021.

NPA Regional Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the trial was set to start on Tuesday, September 26 and the accused provided no reasons to the court for her absence.

“All necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for trial, as she opted to represent herself.

“Police reports reveal that the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.

“The claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them after the payout, and subsequently reported to the police for investigation.

“The Legal Practice Council has struck her off the roll, preventing her from practising as an attorney,” Mamothame stated.

A new trial date will be set following her arrest.