The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially shut down speculation about the authenticity of flashy Soccer boss Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize’s luxury wardrobe — at least partially.
In a jaw-dropping online auction held from October 10–15 by Bidders Choice, only 23 out of an estimated 200 luxury bags seized from the flamboyant businesswoman’s properties were authenticated and approved for sale.
The curated collection — which included Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and Gucci — fetched impressive bids, with one Saint Laurent handbag going for R73,000.
Meanwhile, the headline item, a 2021 Lamborghini Urus, racked up a pending R4.8 million bid, adding fuel to the ongoing auction blaze driven by SARS to recoup millions in unpaid taxes.
“We did a lot of investigation and research to see what you can authenticate and what you can’t… For the ones we couldn’t verify with serial numbers, we left them aside,” said Bidders Choice MD Pieter Geldenhuys told News24.
As SARS continues to crack down on luxury tax dodgers, questions are emerging about how “superfakes” — high-quality counterfeit luxury goods — are flooding the South African market. This makes authentication processes even more critical.
👉 Read more: Superfakes Exposed: How AI and Human Experts Can Team Up to Protect SA Luxury Fashion (NOWinSA).
From glitz to gavel: The big haul
The KwaZulu-Natal-born business mogul has long been known for flaunting head-to-toe luxury — from elusive pieces like the Hermès Birkin (one of which has now reportedly been exposed as a fake), to Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram travel bags and the sculptural XS Hourglass top-handle by Balenciaga. You name it, she’s rocked it.
But the tables turned dramatically when SARS swooped in, seizing her assets from both her Sandton home and the Royal AM training facility. The operation involved a fleet of 10 trucks, heavy-duty tow vehicles, and detailed cataloguing of everything from construction vehicles and artworks.
List of authenticated designer items sold at auction
👜 Top 11 named & sold designer bags / luggage
- Saint Laurent Care Maxi Shopping Handbag with Pouch – R73,000 (Highest-selling item)
- Goyard Yellow Saint Honore Trunk Clutch Handbag – R70,500
- Louis Vuitton Zephyr Suitcase – R61,500
- Louis Vuitton Zephyr Suitcase – R61,000
- Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Handbag Set – R57,000
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Case – R51,500
- Goyard Red Villette French Bulldog MM Tote Handbag – R50,000
- Louis Vuitton Large Canvas Bag – R49,500
- Louis Vuitton Chain Messenger Handbag – R46,000
- Louis Vuitton Blue Mahina Pavillon PM Shoulder Bag – R40,500
- Saint Laurent I Care Maxi Shopping Handbag with Pouch – R11,000 (Lowest luxury bag sold)
Other key auctioned assets
- 2021 Lamborghini Urus (Runner model, 43,080km) – R4.8 million (pending confirmation)
- Assorted Artwork – Bids ranged from R50 to R6,200
- Pin Boards – Sold for R10
- Wood Material Stock – Sold for R10
A pricey fall from grace
This auction marks the latest in SARS’ ongoing clampdown on Mamkhize’s empire, once lauded for its dazzling football club Royal AM glamorous TV persona.
As reported by NOWinSA, the mogul’s tax battles have deeply intertwined with her public image — and her latest losses send a message that even the richest must play by the rules.
📎 Related: Tax Turmoil & Broken Trust: Mamkhize Opens Up Amid Royal AM Sale Crisis (NOWinSA)
