Christo Wiese

SARS is seeking to hold Wiese and other parties personally liable for approximately R216.6 million in Energy Africa tax debt under section 183 of the Tax Administration Act. SARS alleges that they participated in dissipating an asset — a loan account — to prevent recovery. On 12 July 2024, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Wiese's appeal on preliminary legal issues, allowing the substantive litigation to continue.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused

Wiese was Steinhoff's chairman and largest shareholder when the accounting crisis erupted in December 2017. His board role, proximity to Markus Jooste and certain transactions between Steinhoff and Wiese-linked entities shortly before the collapse fuelled criticism of board oversight and related-party transactions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Deferred shares controlled by Wiese gave him voting power at Shoprite far exceeding his economic stake. In 2019, a majority of votes attached to ordinary shares opposed his re-election as director, but his enhanced voting rights enabled him to remain. A proposal to buy out these rights for several billion rand also prompted fierce opposition before the structure was eventually simplified.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In April 2009, British authorities seized £674,920 in cash carried by Wiese at London City Airport. A magistrate initially ordered forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In June 2012, the High Court allowed his appeal and set aside the forfeiture order, enabling him to recover the funds.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated