DA submits Malema financial investigation request to SARS

Yesterday, at approximately 14:34, I faxed a letter to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requesting them to investigate the financial affairs of ANC Youth League leader, Julius Malema. Having received no response, I have today resent the letter to the SARS anti-fraud and corruption unit.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) regards Mr Malema's lavish lifestyle and spending habits (see here) to be inconsistent with the approximately R20 000/month income he receives as ANCYL President. The reference number for the investigation request submitted to SARS is RSP57594.

A copy of the letter can be found below.

I have been informed by SARS that this is regarded as a private investigation, as it should be. The DA is confident that the SARS anti-fraud and corruption unit will conduct a thorough investigation into Mr Malema's financial affairs, and will do so without fear or favour.

Letter from Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police to the South African Revenue Service, July 18 2011:

18th July 2011
Investigating Committee
South African Revenue Service
Lehae le Sars Building
Pretoria
0001

Reference: RSP57594

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you to express my concern at reports that ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema is building a home worth R16 million in Sandown , Johannesburg. This comes alongside other reports of excessively high expenditure; including reports that Mr Malema settled a bill of R78 000 in cash at a luxury game lodge. Mr Malema alleges that his net ANC Youth League salary is his sole income and that is approximately R20 000 a month. This poses grave questions regarding whether or not Mr Malema's finances are above board.

Numerous questions are being asked about his conspicuous consumption - such as which bank has lent him R16-m when he states that his income is just R20 000pm or alternatively which individual has given him that money, and under what finance regulations would such a donation be legal?

As a public figure I believe the finances of Mr Malema should be above scrutiny and I believe questions surrounding Mr Malema's conspicuous expenditure should be investigated and answered by a legitimate authority.

I therefore request that SARS conduct a Lifestyle Audit into the financial affairs of Mr Malema to ensure that his income is coming from legitimate sources and that the ANC Youth league leader is paying the appropriate tax on that income.

I look forward to your response

Yours sincerely

Dianne Kohler Barnard

Shadow Minister of Police

Democratic Alliance

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, July 19 2011

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