Moshe Ndiki Battles Tax Fraud Claim as Sars Pursues R600 000 Bill
Television presenter and actor Moshe Ndiki has revealed that he is the victim of tax fraud, as the South African Revenue Service (Sars) intensifies legal action to recover nearly R600 000 in unpaid taxes.
The entertainer, best known for his roles in The Queen and Gomora as well as his reality show Life with Moshe Ndiki, confirmed that irregularities were committed against his tax profile and that he is now working closely with Sars to clear his name.
“Fraud was committed against my tax, and I’m resolving it. This whole thing is stressing me out. I know I did not do anything wrong, and I am working closely with Sars to make sure the matter is resolved and my name is cleared,” he said in response to questions.
When pressed further about the alleged fraud, Ndiki declined to elaborate. “Unfortunately, I can’t elaborate any further,” he added.
Sars files for default judgment
The Johannesburg High Court has received papers from Sars seeking a default judgment against Ndiki after repeated attempts to recover the outstanding tax debt. According to the application, Ndiki’s original bill stood at just over R500 000, but the figure ballooned after penalties and interest were added.
Sars imposed R28 000 in penalties and charged more than R67 000 in interest, bringing the total to about R600 000.
Before approaching the court, Sars issued a final letter of demand to Ndiki on 20 June, urging him to pay the outstanding balance within 10 days.
“According to the records of the South African Revenue Service, you have failed to pay your tax debt for one or more tax years and tax periods… you are requested to make full payment within 10 days from the date of this letter of demand,” the letter read.
Options given, but no compliance
In the correspondence, Sars advised Ndiki of his options should he be unable to pay the full amount at once. These included applying to pay the debt in instalments, requesting suspension of the debt if he intended to lodge a formal dispute, or submitting a compromise request where partial settlement might bring a better outcome than sequestration or liquidation.
Sars also warned that failure to act could trigger harsh collection measures. Among them:
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appointing a third party, such as an employer or financial institution, to divert funds directly towards settling the debt;
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obtaining a civil judgment, which would allow the sheriff of the court to attach and auction off assets;
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or, in certain cases, reducing the amount owed if the taxpayer could prove financial hardship or that their dependents’ basic needs were at stake.
Despite these avenues being made available, Sars stated that Ndiki had failed to respond satisfactorily, prompting the court to apply for a default judgment.
Public spotlight on finances
The matter has placed the actor in an uncomfortable public position, with his finances and alleged non-compliance becoming a matter of public record. While Sars frequently pursues judgments against individuals and companies, high-profile personalities often attract greater scrutiny and attention.
Ndiki, however, insists that he has done nothing wrong and that the situation stems from fraud rather than his own actions. His priority, he says, is to ensure that his record is corrected and that his reputation is not tainted by irregularities he did not cause.
A growing problem
Tax fraud and non-compliance have increasingly come under the spotlight in South Africa, as Sars ramps up efforts to recover outstanding debts from both individuals and businesses. The revenue service has in recent years introduced stricter monitoring systems and has not shied away from taking celebrities and high earners to court.
Cases such as Ndiki’s highlight the risks facing those in the entertainment industry, where irregular income and complex financial arrangements often make tax compliance difficult. Fraudulent use of personal tax profiles has also emerged as a growing concern, with victims often facing lengthy legal battles to prove their innocence.
Next steps
For now, Ndiki remains adamant that he is not at fault and is pinning his hopes on resolving the matter through ongoing engagement with Sars. His statement suggests he is actively pursuing avenues to clear his name, but until the court makes a determination or Sars withdraws its application, the R600 000 claim remains on the table.
The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of unresolved tax disputes. Whether due to administrative errors, fraud, or genuine non-payment, the end result is often the same: stiff penalties, interest charges, and the possibility of assets being attached if debts are not settled.
For Ndiki, a beloved figure on both television and social media, the unfolding legal battle adds a layer of strain to an otherwise celebrated career. His fans will now be watching closely as he navigates not the drama of the screen, but the realities of tax court and financial accountability.
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