Zahara Ordered To Hand In Passport

Afro pop musician Zahara is in trouble with the law and is facing possible jail time.

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Last week, ZAlebs reported that the songstress was allegedly found guilty of being in contempt of court after she failed to appear in several court cases over tax related issues. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) bought forward a case against the Imali hitmaker. She reportedly failed to appear in several court dates which then lead to a warrant of her arrest which was issued in April. As a result, on Monday, 7 June, Zahara handed herself over at the police station and also appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court.

Although the details around her case were not made known to the public, Sunday World can has now revealed that Zahara is facing one count of contravening tax laws and six for failing to submit her tax returns from 2013 to 2018. Should the state find her guilty, musician faces the possibility of going to prison for four years or paying a hefty fine.

The publication further reports that she was given a warning to appear in court again on June 25 to reveal the contents of the docket to her legal representative.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) South Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told the publication that they cannot discuss the merit of the case, but did reveal Zahara was asked to hand in her passport.

"She was requested to hand in her passport to the Commercial Crimes officers within 24 hours of the court appearance and to report to the Roodepoort Police Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 08h00 and 18h00.”

Mjonondwane also said that Magistrate Magampa firstly heard evidence for failure to appear in court and also for the case she is charged in her personal capacity as well as a representative of her company Zahara Trading (Pty) Ltd. The charges relate to the non-submission of personal and company income-tax returns to the South African Revenue Service

A charge sheet that Sunday World is in possession of reads: “Count 1, contravention of section 75(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. In that on or about the tax period of 2012, and at or near Johannesburg, in the Regional Division of Gauteng, the accused unlawfully failed to comply with the provision of section 75(1)(a) of Act 58 of 1962. Penalty provision: fine or period of imprisonment not exceeding 24 months.

“Count 2 to 7. Contravention of section 234(d), read with section 1 and 25 of the Tax Administrative Act 28 of 2011, as amended. In that on or about the tax periods of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and at near Johannesburg in the Regional Division of Gauteng, the accused willfully and without just cause, failed or neglected to submit the Income Tax Returns, as required in terms of Section 25 of the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011. Penalty provision: Fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years."

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