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Lucky Montana vs SARS: Ex-Prasa Boss Accuses Commissioner of Faking Court Judgment

Lucky Montana vs SARS: Ex-Prasa Boss Accuses Commissioner of Faking Court Judgment
Former PRASA CEO Lucky Montana has once again found himself in the national spotlight this time not for railways or tenders, but for a high-stakes legal showdown with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Montana, now a uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP, has opened a criminal case against SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, claiming the tax authority fabricated a court judgment to justify a massive R55 million tax bill against him.
He laid the charges on Monday at Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria, calling it “the biggest fraud of all time” a statement that’s already rippling through political and legal circles.
“There Was Never a Judgment”
Speaking to IOL outside the police station, Montana said the dispute goes back five years. What began as a contested R44 million tax debt, he claims, ballooned to R55 million after interest and penalties, allegedly backed by a “nonexistent” court judgment dated August 11, 2022.
“When I went to apply for rescission, I discovered there was no actual court judgment on record,” Montana explained. “SARS stated as if a judgment existed but when you look for it, there’s nothing. No judge, no order, no record.”
He said the case numbers provided by SARS don’t match any official court files, describing the situation as a “fabricated legal fiction.”
Montana also accused SARS of violating the Criminal Procedure Act, engaging in maladministration, and using the tax system as a political weapon.
“It’s a severe matter when a state organ meant to protect the public becomes the perpetrator of criminality,” he said. “This is not just about me, it’s about state accountability.”
Political Undertones and a Long Shadow
For those familiar with Lucky Montana’s history, this confrontation feels like the latest chapter in a long and turbulent saga.
Once seen as the face of PRASA’s modernisation drive, Montana’s name has frequently surfaced in controversies involving state capture allegations and questions about financial management. He has long claimed that he’s been targeted by state institutions for his outspoken criticism of government corruption.
His recent alignment with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, a breakaway faction of the ANC, has added further political colour to his battles. Some analysts say this new fight with SARS could deepen the perception of state institutions being weaponised against political opponents, while others believe Montana may be using political theatre to deflect attention from his own tax woes.
“We’ll See Which Judge Signed It”
SARS, according to Montana, has seized family assets and initiated sequestration proceedings based on the disputed judgment.
“I am prepared to take this matter further,” he said. “We will see if SARS can explain which judge signed the judgment, on what date, and why the case numbers don’t match. Until then, I hold them responsible for this fraudulent activity.”
The Gauteng High Court is also currently considering a separate SARS application to strike out Montana’s allegations, filed in July.
When contacted for comment, SARS spokesperson Sandile Memela said a response would be provided, but none had been received at the time of publication.
Public Reaction and Broader Questions
Online, reaction has been sharply divided. Some South Africans see Montana’s actions as a courageous stand against institutional abuse of power, while others view it as a smokescreen for his financial troubles.
“Lucky is no stranger to controversy, but if what he’s saying is true, this would be explosive,” one social media user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another quipped, “Only in South Africa could a tax dispute sound like an episode of The State Capture Chronicles.”
A Fight That Could Test Public Trust
If proven, Montana’s allegations could mark one of the most serious blows to SARS’s credibility in years an institution that has spent the better part of the last decade rebuilding public confidence after the Moyane-era scandals.
But if the claims turn out to be false, it could reinforce the perception that political figures use conspiracy narratives to evade accountability.
Either way, this case has become more than a personal battle between a former CEO and the taxman. It’s now a test of trust, transparency, and the rule of law in a country still haunted by the ghosts of state capture.
And in the court of public opinion, the verdict is still very much out.
{Source: IOL}
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