Clearing agent faces K10,000 fine or 9 months free accomodation over handbag smuggling

LIKE Nigerian comedian Basket Mouth’s viral stand up,”two things involved”, a Ndola-based clearing agent has been left with two options it’s either he he pays a 10,000 fine or the law will provide him with free accomodation and an orange suit behind bars for smuggling Salaula handbags and clothes.

Alexander Mulilwa Zulu, 33, was found guilty of aiding in the smuggling of a consignment worth K676,051.20, evading taxes amounting to K304,223.00.

According to a statement issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)’s corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala, the incident occurred between November 2022 and December 2022 when Zulu declared a consignment of goods as being in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

However, upon inspection at the Sakania border, customs officials discovered that the goods had beenmoved from one truck to another, likely to avoid detection by customs officials to another truck in Ndola.

The Ndola Subordinate Court sentenced Zulu to a fine of K10,000 or nine months imprisonment.

“Further, the court ordered that the evaded taxes in the sum of K304,223.00 be paid to Zambia Revenue Authority. Failure to which, the vessel that was employed in the commissioning of the offence shall be forfeited to the State.” Nzala, warned.

He cautioned clearing agents to adhere to tax laws.

“Those found committing tax offenses will have their licenses revoked and be prosecuted,” Nzala said.

“The Authority will only work with clearing agents who are law abiding.”

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba September 27, 2024