The Hawks have taken over the case of an attempted hit on Coreth Naudé, a senior advocate and SARS representative, who was shot on Thursday night upon her arrival at a hotel in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, around 4pm. Two gunmen allegedly opened fire, wounding her three times in the upper body, neck, and face. It is understood that she then tried to speed away and crashed into a basement parking structure." Naudé was taken to Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, where she underwent surgery.

HIGH PROFILE CASES

Among the cases the victim was involved in is a tax inquiry involving controversial businesswoman Shauwn "MaMkhize" Mkhize. SAPS Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that the docket in the investigation into the attempted hit on Naudé is no longer in their hands. Mkhwanazi said the incident was a top priority and that he was in contact with the head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks. "Thanks to the security partners who are working with us, who were around the area and were able to respond quickly. That helped to prevent the further damage that could have been done to the advocate. The commissioner stressed that those involved in bringing tax evaders to book should be protected. "Yes, we are aware and know that they are here working and doing a very good job pursuing those who are evading tax. There are many of them in the province as well," he said.

MOTIVE NOT KNOWN

Mkhwanazi said that they did not know what the motive for the shooting was. "As the police, we responded to the crime scene and took the docket to the Hawks, and we unfortunately cannot speculate on the motive of the hit or accuse anyone," he said. He added that they are working closely with SARS to give them the support they might need to protect their officials. Mkhwanazi added that, as law enforcement, they will make sure that they protect SARS officials and that they will also make sure that those who are responsible for that attack of the advocate face the full might of the law. Mkhwanazi said the police and private security services are searching for a vehicle that was used in the attack.