Government tightens security of MRA officials

The Malawi Government says it has tightened the security of Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) officials by increasing the number of Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers assigned to the tax administration.

Minister of Homeland Security Honourable Jean Sendeza, MP said this in Nkhotakota on Sunday, 13 February 2022 during the funeral ceremony of Alinafe Bonongwe.

Bonongwe, who until his death was Station Manager at Dedza Customs Station, was found dead in his house at Air Wing in Dedza District. Postmortem results indicate that he was murdered.

Sendeza, who was representing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, said the increase in the number of police officers would ensure safety and security of MRA officers.

She said MRA officers play a critical role in revenue collection for national development and it is imperative to ensure their safety and security.

“We will provide tight security to Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Stations managers and other officers to ensure that they are safe,” she said.

The Minister of Homeland Security said investigations are still underway and that the Malawi Police Service had already arrested five suspects in the murder of Bonongwe.

MRA Deputy Commissioner General Henry Ngutwa, who was speaking on behalf of the Commissioner General John Biziwick, said the Authority was shocked and devastated with the tragic and gruesome death of Bonongwe.

He said Bonongwe had a strong work ethic, he had high integrity and he was naturally a good person.

“He was not supposed to die like this. The people who killed Alinafe want to instill a sense of fear in us but we are not afraid,” he said.

MRA Executive Management bidding farewell to Alinafe

Ngutwa said the Board and Management of MRA would do everything to ensure the safety and security of its officers.

“We are changing our security detail in some strategic stations. I would like to assure all MRA officers that your security is our priority. Do not be afraid. Revenue collection is a noble job,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner General also appealed to the business community and the public to share any information with MRA and security agencies to ensure the safety and security of officers.

In a statement issued on Friday 11 February 2022, President Dr. Chakwera said the brazen killing of Bonongwe was heartbreaking and a colossal loss to Malawi.  He said Bonongwe was a warrior in Malawi’s war against corruption.

“Despite receiving death threats for standing up to lawless and corrupt cartels that have long been marauding our borders, he remained resolute and fearless in his defence of our national treasures. Bonongwe has died a hero and that his sacrifice for Malawi will not be in vain,” the President said.

Dr. Chakwera said the authorities would never relent in pursuing criminals who murdered Bonongwe until they are brought to justice.

“However long it takes, and whatever it costs we shall prevail,” he said.

Bonongwe was born on 23 May 1979. He joined MRA in 2003. He is survived by his wife Esmie and daughter Tayamika

By Wadza Otomani