MRA arrests customs clearing agent Rhoda Ndovie for falsifying importation documents of goods on behalf of AFORD and DPP

MRA conducted a search at AFORD president Enoch Chihana’s premises where the goods were allegedly offloaded

* Limu Clearing falsified the quantity and value of imported goods — which is alleged to have resulted into evasion of taxes in excess of K300 million

* Ndovie is also under investigations of alleged evasion of taxes include value added tax (VAT) by  business entities operated by her

By Duncan Mlanjira

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) notifies the public that on Tuesday, August 26, it arrested customs clearing agent, Rhoda Ndovie, for falsifying importation documents of goods on behalf of political parties, Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

A statement from acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Wilma Chalulu indicates that MRA’s preliminary investigations established that Ndovie, trading as Limu Clearing, allegedly imported a consignment of goods into the country from South Africa, which were processed at Dedza Border Station.

Chalulu says the importation documents indicated names of Rhoda Ndovie-Chigomezgo and Bongani Investments as importer and Limu Clearing (declarant) as the clearing agent — but MRA investigations have revealed that Ndovie allegedly falsified importation documents by altering the name of the actual importer, AFORD and DPP to Rhoda Ndovie-Chigomezgo and Bongani Investments.

The declarant, Limu Clearing further falsified the quantity and value of imported goods — which is alleged to have resulted into evasion of taxes in excess of K300 million.

“Additionally, the investigations have revealed alleged evasion of taxes include value added tax (VAT) by the business entities operated by the suspect [Ndovie], says the statement adding that MRA further conducted a search at AFORD president Enoch Chihana’s premises where the goods were allegedly offloaded.

“The investigations are ongoing,” says the statement. “MRA will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and take appropriate legal action under the tax laws where evidence of wrongdoing is established.”

Meanwhile, AFORD has dismissed the search at Chihana’s residence in Lilongwe, describing it as politically motivated, alleging that it is an attempt to frustrate the party ahead of the September 16 general elections.

A report by Malawi News Agency (MANA) quoted national publicity secretary, Amatullah Annie Maluwa, as saying the goods in question were cleared through proper procedures.

“They came to search for party materials that were duly processed and cleared by MRA officers,” Maluwa told MANA, adding that the development would not affect AFORD’s election campaign — stressing the party remains focused on its preparations.

“We are not shaken by these useless assertions, and this failed government will not succeed in derailing our campaign,” she said, while urging MRA to conduct its work professionally and refrain from political interference.

Msaliwa said AFORD will engage relevant authorities on the matter to ensure fairness— but Chalulu told MANA that MRA obtained a legal search warrant before carrying out the operation, which is part of an ongoing probe into the importation of goods by Chihana and others.

“Following due process, MRA obtained a search warrant to conduct the said investigations, which are currently underway,” Chalulu said.—Reporting for MANA by Arthur Kaludzu