×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Court warns star over delay in case

EXCUSE: Tokollo Tshabalala. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 30/07/07. © Sowetan.
EXCUSE: Tokollo Tshabalala. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 30/07/07. © Sowetan.

Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

Kwaito musician Tokollo Tshabalala nearly landed behind bars yesterday after an angry Johannesburg magistrate warned him to take his tax evasion case seriously.

Magistrate Zacharia Mashobane lashed out at Tshabalala, also known as Magesh, after his lawyer, Ismael Casoo, asked for another postponement because a colleague, who had a copy of the plea draft, was in hospital.

Tshabalala, of TKZee fame, allegedly owes the South African Revenue Services (Sars) R655209,67 from 1999 to 2005.

The state alleges he earned more than R2million within the seven-year period.

Tshabalala has not yet pleaded to the charges.

Casoo said: "I went to my colleague's office to find the plea draft, but to no avail."

Prosecutor Dudu Ndlovu said there seemed to be an excuse every time Tshabalala had to plead.

"This is the fourth time the case is being postponed. The case has been on the roll for too long and must end," said Ndlovu.

Casoo said the delay was also caused by the fact that Tshabalala did not have money.

If he were found guilty, he could be sentenced to a heavy fine amounting to thousands of rands.

The case was adjourned until August 14.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.