Johannesburg – More than R7m has been raised towards the R16m former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema owes the tax man, the SA Revenue Services said on Friday.

“Outstanding is slightly more than R9m,” said Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay.

The legal process will continue as Sars works on recovering its money, following a court judgment on the matter.

“We will stand by the comment that we will pursue all legal steps to recover what tax debts are still outstanding,” said Lackay.

On Thursday, Malema’s half-built mansion in Sandown, Johannesburg, fetched R5.9m on auction, arranged by a curator for Sars.

Malema has since issued a statement saying he does not know the buyer Norman Tloubatla, CEO of the company Magnified Designs.

“I want to place it on record that I completely have no dealings with the buyer of the house in Sandown, and have no business, personal, or political association with him,” Malema said.

The home had been attached by a court to help cover Malema’s tax bill.

On 19 March his Limpopo farm, worth approximately R4m, was also seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said at the time that the property was allegedly acquired with the proceeds from fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering.

The alleged crimes were perpetrated against the Limpopo department of roads and transport, Simasiku said. Alternatively, the property had been used to launder money.

Malema also faces charges of fraud and racketeering related to the irregular awarding of a R52m tender to On-Point Engineers in Limpopo.

A verdict has not been delivered on those charges.

SAPA