Kabaza operators agree to Customs valuation

Kabaza operators plying their trade in Luchenza and surrounding areas have agreed to bring their un-cleared motorcycles for valuation to Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

The motorcyclists made the commitment on Friday 25^th June, 2021 at an interface meeting with Malawi Police Service at Luchenza Municipal Ground.

The valuation, scheduled for 2^nd July 2021 at Luchenza Municipal Ground, will determine the Customs duties payable by each Kabaza operator.

South Eastern Region Police Commissioner Chikondi Chingadza had called for the interface meeting with Kabaza operators to discuss road safety issues.

“We have noticed a steady increase in motor cycle accidents and this is largely due to careless driving on the roads by Kabaza operators. Most of them do not have driving licences and their motor cycles are not insured or registered,” she said.

Commissioner Chingadza said the Malawi Police Services decided to invite MRA to the meeting to discuss Customs duties as the motor cycles were not properly cleared.

Speaking at the meeting, Muloza Border Station Customs Officer Gibson Mzoma said it is against the law to smuggle motor cycles into Malawi.

“The Customs & Excise Act stipulates that smuggling is an offence and it is punishable by law. It is important to pass through Customs control and declare your motor cycle instead of smuggling,” Mzoma said.

On her part, his colleague at Muloza Border Station Alice Chamama said Customs duties for motor cycles are calculated based on cost, year of make and engine capacity.

“Customs duties for motor cycles can be charged from as little as K50,000 depending on the cost, when it was manufactured and the size of the engine. You can actually pay Customs duties by instalment,” she said.

The agreement to bring motor cycles for valuation follows a similar arrangement in Ntcheu where Kabaza operators in the district agreed to pay Customs duties for their uncleared motor cycles.

BY WADZA OTOMANI