Taxi Boss In Shauwn Mkhize Tax Probe Denies Shooting Allegations

A wealthy Durban taxi owner accused of orchestrating a hit on a SARS advocate involved in Shauwn Mkhize’s tax inquiry has denied any role in the crime.

Kholwani Prayman Ntanjana, 35, appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court this week, charged with attempted murder.

He stands accused in connection with the shooting of Advocate Coreth Naudé, who represented the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Mkhize’s R40 million tax inquiry.

Naudé was ambushed and shot multiple times — in the neck, face, and shoulder — outside the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga on 18 July last year.

Despite her severe injuries, she managed to drive to the parking area, where a nearby doctor came to her aid. She survived but underwent major reconstructive surgery on her jaw.

Taxi Boss Outlines Lavish Lifestyle and Denies Involvement

Ntanjana, arrested on 17 September, is the third suspect in the case. His co-accused, Siyanda Emmanuel Mbulwana and Mcebisi Corlen Runeyi, were detained in December 2024, denied bail, and indicted at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.

Detectives are still analysing cellphone data that could lead to the arrest of two more suspects.

In his bail affidavit, Ntanjana detailed his financial standing, claiming ownership of property worth R1.5 million at Tasha’s Coastal Estate in Shaka’s Rock. He said his businesses generate around R500,000 monthly, supporting his wife and five children.

“My incarceration has caused setbacks to my business, with clients threatening to withdraw from agreements,” the affidavit stated.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: MaMkhize’s Lamborghini And Designer Bags Up For Auction After R40 Million Tax Scandal

He further told the court he does not hold a passport and listed assets including over R500,000 in cash investments with Old Mutual and life cover exceeding R1 million.

“I do not know the identity of Advocate Naudé and have never met her,” Ntanjana declared, describing the state’s case as “exceptionally weak and non-existent.”

While Ntanjana has no previous convictions, he faces a separate pending case for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Courtroom Drama and Lawyer’s Mysterious Absence

During a previous court appearance, the magistrate criticised Ntanjana’s initial bail affidavit as vague, ordering his lawyer, Sizwe Cele, to submit a supplementary one before Thursday. However, the proceedings were delayed when Cele failed to appear, citing a “personal incident.”

Attorney Siya Hlongwane, standing in for Cele, told the court: “Counsel is not available today because an incident happened to him.”

Magistrate Quim De Freitas responded sharply: “An incident? That’s so broad. What was it, a car accident, or did his wife cuff him to the house? If you are standing in for Cele, you can’t be that naive.”

Control Prosecutor Seema Reddy condemned the defence’s conduct, calling the excuse a “convenient emergency” and asked the court to report Cele to the Legal Practitioners’ Council. “Cele does not respect the court. Their conduct is unprofessional,” Reddy said.

The matter was provisionally postponed to the end of October. Ntanjana remains in custody, while his co-accused are due to appear before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court later this month.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky