The story of how Hamilton Ndlovu found himself at the pit end of a R36 million tax fraud judgment is a great learning lesson on the consequences of ‘doing it’ for social media.
SIU swoops in on Ndlovu’s assets
On Thursday, the Special Investigating Unit confirmed in a statement that approval was granted by the Special Tribunal for the seizure of the businessman’s luxury assets and funds totalling R42 million.
“The SIU and NHLS have ascertained that the transactions were obtained by abusing the emergency procurement procedures that were adopted by the NHLS in order to respond to the COVID-19 disaster during the first half of 2020,” the statement read.
Based on the order, Ndlovu is “prohibited from dealing in any manner with the funds and properties (including selling or transferring or mortgaging the properties) pending the final resolution of review proceedings to be brought by the SIU and the NHLS.”
Hamilton Ndlovu hit with R36 tax bill – court rules
In March 2021, Judge Roland Sutherland of the Gauteng High Court granted SARS leeway to reclaim what is owed to Ceasar, a total of R36.84 million in unpaid taxes dating back to 2017, of which R23.34 million accumulated in 2020/21.
The court found that Ndlovu had mastered a cut-throat strategy to milk as much as R46.6 million from the National Health Laboratory Services (NLHS) between 31 March and 29 April 2020.
This large consignment of cash tendered — in rather questionable procurement practises — to a man in charge of and influential in four shoddy companies piqued the interest of the revenue agency’s Illicit Economy Unit.
But, their work would be all done by Ndlovu, himself. A video he posted, flaunting luxury vehicles valued to the tune of R10 million, went viral on social media.
A Gauteng Based Business Man, MR HAMILTON NDLOVU bought 5 luxury cars in one day. In these trying times we have black man excelling. Check the videos below as a thread.#HAMILTONNDLOVU pic.twitter.com/iowYVzzQ1W
— MAGUBANE (@TyrexMusee_SA) May 24, 2020
Under normal circumstances, perhaps, Ndlovu’s excessive flaunting may have been shrugged off as a mere narcissistic episode. However, the 32-year-old became a mega-millionaire in the depths of a Covid-19 pandemic that quite literally crippled South Africa’s economy.
Social media reacts to Ndlovu’s epic downfall
Ndlovu’s self-sabotage culminated in a heavy tax bill that, according to Judge Sutherland, proved Ndlovu and his ‘associates’ splurged “without regard to making provision for paying what they owe to the fiscus.”
News of the ruling hit social media and suffice it to say, the 32-year-old’s quick fall from grace has been the day’s laughing stock.
Respect to Hamilton Ndlovu
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) May 25, 2020
His an Inspiration
Bought 5 luxury cars in one day Black Child Excellence pic.twitter.com/17qnr6Tr1q
I heard Hamilton Ndlovu bought 5 luxury cars in one go. So I bought these 3 plots of land in one go. pic.twitter.com/HGAcbrVVoJ
— Zolani N (@ZolaniNondwatyu) May 25, 2020
Remember Hamilton Ndlovu? That chap who splashed on 5 luxury cars during the lockdown last year and displayed his new toys on social media? Well, SARS has taken the cars. The North Gauteng High Court has confirmed the preservation order granted to SARS last year. Thread pic.twitter.com/WU8tGN4jYQ
— Onkgopotse Tiro (@TiroMokoditoa) March 3, 2021
At this time, it is unclear if an inquest into the NHLS’ procurement deal with Ndlovu’s companies has been launched.
“No part of SARS’ case is premised on any unlawfulness in the contracts between the NHLS and any of the respondents,” Judge Suherland said.