ZRA intercepts 6 trucks in raids
SIX trucks carrying goods worth over K5 million have been seized by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for smuggling and abusing an incentive which exempts public institutions from paying certain taxes.
The six trucks were seized from Chirundu and Nakonde border posts as well as Lusaka.
Four of the six trucks were seized specifically for abusing the Public Benefits Organisation (PBO) facility.
PBOs include churches, orphanages, schools and Hospitals, among others that import goods meant for public benefit. The six trucks were seized for various offences relating to smuggling by presenting forged documents while others were seized for fraudulently using the PBO facility, says authority Corporate Communications Manager, Topsy Sikalinda.
Mr Sikalinda said ZRA last month started conducting an audit on PBOs as the organisation felt that various tax incentives were being abused.
"So far, six trucks are in our custody, two are in Chirundu carrying cooking oil and we also have another one in Nakonde carrying used clothing. We also have three in Lusaka that are carrying used clothing and one carrying electricals.
"These trucks are carrying goods worth over K5 million and these have been seized in accordance with the law," Mr Sikalinda told Journalists yesterday in Chirundu.
“These trucks are carrying goods worth over K5 million and these have been seized in accordance with the law,” Mr Sikalinda told Journalists yesterday in Chirundu.
He said the goods imported by abusing the PBO facility were found on the commercial market instead of benefitting the public.
Mr Sikalinda urged Zambians to report all cases of smuggling and tax evasions to ZRA.
ZRA, he said, would work tirelessly to ensure that such vices were brought to a complete halt.
"The over K5 million could have been taxes lost if we had not intercepted these consignments .
"This is the money that Government desperately needs to improve our infrastructure, especially during this Covid-19 period . The economic situation has gone down , therefore we need every resource," Mr Sikalinda said.