Court Fines Ndola Clearing Agent K10, 000 for Smuggling Handbags, Salaula clothes

Ndola Subordinate Court has fined a Clearing Agent K10, 000 or in default nine months imprisonment,  for smuggling handbags and secondhand clothes, thereby defrauding Government of tax revenue amounting to over K300, 000.

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala revealed in a statement that Alexander Mulilwa Zulu, 33 of Ndola, appeared before the Subordinate Court charged with one count of aiding at smuggling, contrary to section 149 of the Customs and Excise Act Cap 322 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr. Nzala explained that between 20th November and 31st December 2022 in Ndola, the convict, jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, smuggled a consignment of 20 cartons of used hand bags and 300 cartons of secondhand clothes into the country, with value for duty purposes amount of K676,051.20.

He disclosed that the court further ordered that the evaded taxes in the sum of K304,223 be paid to Zambia Revenue Authority (FRA) failure to which the vessel that was employed in the commissioning of the offence shall be forfeited to the State.

“Facts of the case are that Alexander Mulilwa Zulu a Clearing Agent on dates unknown but between 20th November 2022 and 31st December 2022 in Ndola, jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, using motor vehicle registration number T577 CGP and trailer number T210 CJY  carrying container number PCIU 9009056 did smuggle a consignment of 20 cartons of used hand bags and 300 cartons of used clothing in the Republic of Zambia with value for duty purposes amount of K676,051.20 thereby defrauding Government of the Republic of Zambia of revenue amount of K304,223.00,” Mr. Nzala explained.

He added that the convict declared to a Customs officer atSakania border that the consignment was in transit through Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from Tanzania when infact not.

“Alert Customs officers intercepted the truck and impounded it and, upon doing a physical inspection, discovered that the truck was not carrying any goods as the goods had been trans-shipped onto another truck in Ndola.”

“The Zambia Revenue Authority would like to warn all Clearing Agents that those who are found committing tax offences will have their licenses revoked and be prosecuted. The Authority will only work with Clearing Agents who are law abiding,” he warned.