Montana fights SARS over R52m tax bill

Ex-Prasa CEO dispute revolves around a tax assessment and bid to declare him insolvent

- THABO MAKWAKWA

FORMER Prasa CEO Lucky Montana and Member of Parliament has publicly challenged the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated.

The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority's application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent.

SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS's claims.

Montana's Defence and Public Statement

Montana, who served as the CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), vehemently denies that he owes SARS any money.

In a detailed statement issued before Tuesday's court hearing, Montana described the case as a "personal attack" aimed at humiliating him.

"I don't owe SARS," Montana declared firmly. "This matter is aimed at humiliating me and tarnishing my reputation just before the court hearing."

"The truth is, this case goes back to 2018. The papers in this specific leg of the SARS application are from May 2023, but I want it to be clear-I owe no outstanding amounts to SARS, and I will not be paying SARS any money."