High Court stops MRA from impounding Masangwi truck
The High Court in Blantyre has granted an injunction to Ndirande based businessman Thom Njilika, owner of Thompex Hardware and Liqour stopping the tax collector, Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), from impounding a truck on tax evasion allegations.
The truck belongs to opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) southern region governor Noel Masangwi.
Justice Anaclet Chipeta granted the order on Saturday after lawyer Chancy Gondwe, representing the plaintiff, argued that his client already paid duty amounting to K12 million to MRA on September 14.
“It is true we have been granted injunction stopping MRA from detaining and impounding the truck and trailer and its cargo till the hearing and determination of the matter in court.
“The court further directed that the truck and trailer should be released to its specified clearing agent warehouse which is Elvis Freight,” said Gondwe in an interview soon after the order was permitted.
Meanwhile, the court has since requested for the presence of an official from MRA during the offloading of the goods.
Asked on when his client would offload the container, Gondwe told Nyasa Times:“That would be done possibly Monday.”
“You know we have been given the injunction on a weekend that makes it administratively difficult for MRA to comply with the order,” observed Gondwe.
MRA’s newly reinstated commissioner of customs Maggie Katsonga, who is said to have been in charge of the operation, refused to comment on the latest development saying she does not speak on behalf of the institution.
The tax collector impounded the truck registration number BQ3850 at Mwanza border when it was declared that it had carried Thinners but officials allegedly discovered that the truck was loaded with beer.
