SARS raids Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi’s office and home in tax probe

South African Revenue Service officials raided the City of Tshwane headquarters and the home of Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi on Thursday morning, seizing electronic devices including a laptop and cellphones during a tax investigation, eNCA reported.

Search Warrants Executed at Tshwane House and Residence

Investigators armed with search and seizure warrants arrived at Tshwane House in Pretoria early Thursday morning. City of Tshwane mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi confirmed that SARS had previously notified municipal leadership of its intention to execute the warrants at both the municipal office and Mnisi’s personal residence. Mgobozi stated that Mnisi left the municipal building accompanied by individuals wearing SARS apparel. While municipal officials acknowledged the operation, the revenue service itself declined to confirm or deny the enforcement action. SARS pointed to statutory confidentiality provisions under Section 69 of the Tax Administration Act, which prohibits officials from disclosing taxpayer information outside legally permitted circumstances, according to IOL.

Political Reaction and Calls for Clarity

City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya instructed municipal manager Johann Mettler to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the raid and evaluate any potential implications for municipal administration. Moya emphasized that given Mnisi’s senior financial responsibilities, the municipality needed immediate clarity while confirming the city’s commitment to cooperating fully with relevant authorities. Meanwhile, ActionSA issued a public statement asserting that the SARS operation shows who shielded the chief financial officer from accountability.

Mnisi Faced Commission Inquiries over Tender Rigging Allegations

Thursday’s raid follows months of intense scrutiny surrounding Mnisi’s tenure and his conduct at the municipality. Mnisi previously appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in April to face allegations regarding tender rigging, including a R2.9 billion security tender for the Tshwane Metro Police Department, alongside accusations of leaking confidential procurement documents to associates. Although suspended earlier in 2026 following internal revelations, a municipal forensic report found no evidence of impropriety against him. Mnisi subsequently returned to work in July after receiving a final written warning when the Tshwane Council voted to classify the allegations against him as less serious—a decision that the Democratic Alliance promptly challenged through an urgent court application.