In a surprising turn of events, Sonia Mbele, a well-known actress and director of Real Housewives, failed to appear at the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday. Mbele, along with her two business partners, Yolisa Gqunta and Rebone Sesing, has been charged with failing to submit tax returns to the South African Revenue Service (Sars).
The National Prosecuting Authority released a statement revealing the charges against the directors. They are facing a total of 42 counts, including not filing company income tax from 2019 to 2022, failing to submit Value Added Tax (VAT) returns from 2020 to 2022, and neglecting to file Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) from 2020 until 2022.
Mbele’s absence from court was explained through her lawyer, who submitted a medical certificate claiming she was unfit to attend until October 3. However, the magistrate deemed the medical certificate unsuitable and refused to accept it. Consequently, a warrant of arrest for Mbele was held over until the next appearance on October 5.
Gqunta and Sesing, Mbele’s co-accused, opted for Legal Aid, but it is yet to be determined whether they qualify for it. During the court proceedings, they stated that they were not on speaking terms with Mbele and had no knowledge of her whereabouts.
This shocking turn of events has left fans of Real Housewives of South Africa stunned. Mbele, known for her role in the popular reality TV show, has always portrayed a glamorous and successful image. However, these tax charges have shed light on a different side of her life.
The charges against Mbele and her partners highlight the importance of complying with tax laws. Failure to submit tax returns can have serious legal consequences, as evidenced by this case. The South African Revenue Service takes tax evasion seriously and has been cracking down on individuals and businesses that fail to meet their tax obligations.
As the case unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. Will Mbele eventually appear in court? Will Gqunta and Sesing be granted Legal Aid? What will be the outcome of this high-profile tax case?
Real Housewives of South Africa fans eagerly await updates on this legal battle. This shocking turn of events has undoubtedly tarnished Mbele’s reputation, and it remains to be seen how this will impact her career in the entertainment industry.
