One of South Africa’s most celebrated music producers, Tebogo Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo of legendary kwaito group Brothers of Peace (BOP), is on the verge of losing his assets after allegedly failing to settle a tax debt he owes to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Africa Daily can exclusively reveal that SARS has obtained a default judgment against Sebitlo , who is a co founder of Kalawa Jazmee in the Johannesburg High Court after he failed to pay more than R112,000 in outstanding personal income tax.
Documents seen by Africa Daily show that the original tax debt was just over R37,000, but the amount grew substantially after SARS imposed more than R75,000 in interest and related charges, pushing the total outstanding balance to more than R112,000.
Court papers indicate that SARS ultimately secured a default judgment after the debt remained unpaid. The judgment clears the way for the tax authority to pursue recovery measures, including the attachment and sale of assets should the debt remain unsettled.
Before obtaining the judgement, SARS sent Sebitlo a final letter of demand on April 15 this year to pay the quantum.
In the letter, the taxman informed Sebitlo that he had failed to settle tax liabilities relating to one or more tax years or tax periods.
The notice states that the outstanding balance stood at R112,045.77 and gave him 10 business days to make full payment or apply for relief measures available under tax legislations.
These options included applying to pay the debt in instalments, seeking a suspension of the debt if a formal dispute had been lodged, or requesting a compromise of a portion of the tax debt where such an arrangement would provide a better return to the fiscus than liquidation, sequestration or other collection measures.
SARS warned Sebitlo that if he fails to pay or make use of the available remedies it would trigger enforcement action.
The revenue collector indicated that it could appoint third parties who will loan him money to settle the debt on his behalf.
It further warned that a civil judgment could be entered against him, paving the way for a warrant of execution authorising the sheriff to attach and sell his assets.
The notice also advised that, as a natural person, Sebitlo could apply within five business days for a reduction in the amount recoverable by SARS based on his and his dependants’ basic living expenses.
It appears Sebitlo ignored the letter of demand hence SARS went to court.
Sebitlo couldn’t be reached for comment at the of publication.