The Durban High Court has appointed a liquidator to divide the joint estate of Sbu Mpisane and his ex-wife Shauwn "MaMkhize" Mkhize. Acting Judge ED Mnyongani granted Mpisane's unopposed application and appointed Eugen Nel to identify, collect and distribute the former couple's joint estate equally between them. Mkhize failed to appoint a liquidator despite a court order in November last year.
The appointment of the liquidator gives effect to a court order granted in November last year. Mpisane's attorneys argued that Mkhize had deliberately failed to comply with her obligation to appoint a liquidator, delaying the financial separation of their estate. This inaction left Mpisane sidelined and unable to access what was rightfully his or move forward with his life.
Nel has been given extensive powers to carry out his mandate. These include demanding a full account of the estate's assets and liabilities, arranging valuations of movable and immovable property and, where necessary, taking physical possession of assets. He may also obtain appraisals and legal opinions, summon either or both parties for questioning on written notice, and approach the court for further directions if the information provided is inadequate.
The liquidator must submit a final account to the parties' attorneys within six calendar months. Either party will have 14 days to lodge objections. If an objection is raised, the other party will have a further 14 days to respond. If no objections are lodged, the account will become final and binding. Any decision by Nel on objections will also stand unless challenged in court within 14 days.
The division of the estate comes against the backdrop of the couple's financial troubles. The South African Revenue Service and the Asset Forfeiture Unit raided properties linked to them and seized luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and BMW X7. The vehicles, along with designer furniture, electronics and jewellery, were sold at auction in an effort to recover a tax debt reportedly amounting to about R40 million.
The financial troubles also had repercussions for football. Royal AM, the Premier Soccer League club Mkhize acquired after purchasing Bloemfontein Celtic's league status in 2021, was eventually expelled from the competition after failing to fulfil its fixtures. The club had also struggled to pay players' salaries amid the financial difficulties and asset seizures.
Before their separation, Mpisane and Mkhize were prominent figures on South Africa's social scene, known for their lavish mansions, designer clothing and collection of luxury vehicles. Together, they also founded PSL side Royal Eagles in 2014, from which they later parted ways following their separation. The liquidator's fees and the costs of the application will be paid from the joint estate.
Key points
- The Durban High Court has appointed Eugen Nel as liquidator to divide the joint estate of Sbu Mpisane and MaMkhize.
- The liquidator has extensive powers, including demanding a full account of the estate's assets and liabilities.
- The division of the estate comes amid the couple's financial troubles, including a tax debt of about R40 million.
