HEAVILY armed police officers swooped on the mansion of Durban Metro police officer-turned millionaire Sbu Mpisane to confiscate computers and documents in an ongoing investigation into tax evasion and VAT fraud

The tight-lipped police officers from Pretoria's tactical unit and detectives from the Hawks arrived at the R12 million three-storey mansion in posh La Lucia yesterday morning and made frequent trips to Mpisane's other property at Sandringham Court near Umhlanga Rocks.

South African Revenue Service's Adrian Lackay said the authorities had obtained a search-and-seizure warrant last Thursday, which related to the ongoing investigation into the couple's finances.

He refused to provide more information.

Hawks spokesperson MacIntosh Polela referred queries to Lackay but hinted that the investigation related to VAT fraud.

He said the police were waiting for Mpisane's wife, Shauwn, to arrive at 2pm for them to confiscate the couple's computers. But she did not arrive.

There were rumours that the couple were on holiday in Spain, but a woman who answered Shauwn's cellphone yesterday and only identified herself as Jessica, said she would meet "her friend" in Durban later in the day. "She is around. I'll see her tonight. I have her phone," 'Jessica' said.

Two guards outside the Mpisane house refused to confirm whether their employers were home. A domestic worker, who was in the house while detectives inspected the computers, came out in the afternoon to collect a delivery from Nando's.

Passing motorists gave a thumbs-up when they saw police officers outside the home - usually the venue of lavish parties.

Sbu, a former metro police constable, was investigated by the DA three years ago after it questioned how he could afford a Lamborghini on a R15,000-a-month salary.

He resigned from the police and joined his wife's Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, which earned millions of rands in tenders from Durban Metro and the KwaZulu-Natal government.

Two years ago the Mpisane's company secured a R300 million low-cost housing tender in Umlazi for houses that were later criticised for being "badly built".

The couple is known for hosting extravagant parties and leading a lavish lifestyle.