By 
A Ndola-based clearing agent has been fined K10,000 or faces nine months imprisonment if the fine is not paid, following his conviction for aiding smuggling.
Alexander Zulu, 33, appeared before the Ndola Subordinate Court on charges of aiding smuggling, contrary to Section 149 of the Customs and Excise Act, Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Head of Corporate Communications, Oliver Nzala, confirmed Zulu’s sentencing in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday.
The case facts revealed that Zulu, acting between November 20, 2022, and December 31, 2022, in Ndola, used motor vehicle registration number T577 CGP and trailer number T210 CJY to smuggle a consignment of 20 cartons of used handbags and 300 cartons of second-hand clothes, valued at K676,051.20.
This resulted in defrauding the government of K304,223 in revenue.
Nzala stated that Zulu falsely declared to a Customs officer at the Sakania border that the goods were in transit through Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from Tanzania.
However, customs officers intercepted the truck, and upon inspection, discovered the goods had been trans-shipped to another truck in Ndola.
The court further ordered that the evaded taxes amounting to K304,223 be paid to ZRA, failing which the vehicle involved in the smuggling would be forfeited to the State.
Nzala warned that ZRA would revoke the licenses of any clearing agents involved in tax offences and would only work with law-abiding agents.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments