Niël Terbalnché
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied allegations circulating on social media, which claim that the agency permitted a political party to import election campaign materials without paying the requisite duties and taxes.
The accusations are made by Nghipudilo ya Shiindi, an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for the Omuthiya town council on her Facebook page.
She claims to have in her possession a letter written by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa related to the party’s campaign material that entered the country for free.
The letter according to her was addressed to Namra’s commissioner Sem Shivute.
“Those containers that passed customs without paying because you are a comrade, while we have our relatives in this country trying to make a living through ‘order with me’ that you are squeezing at customs with your Namra,” she said.
She demanded that Shivute respond to her accusations.
“How much did Swapo pay for the importation of those campaign materials? Why are you letting Swapo import their materials without paying,” said ya Shiindi.
According to NamRA’s spokesperson, Tonateni Shidhudhu, these statements, propagated by ya Shiindi, are unfounded and misleading.
Shidhudhu stressed NamRa’s adherence to the Namibia Revenue Agency Act, 2017 (Act No. 12 of 2017).
Section 35(1) of this Act prohibits the disclosure of confidential information obtained during the execution of its mandate.
The Windhoek Observer learned that the material entered the country through the Oshikango borders and Eros Airport.
Sources in Namra said the party paid millions for the importation of the goods.
While Shidhudhu was unable to divulge specific details to counter the misinformation, he reaffirmed NamRa’s commitment to enforcing Namibia’s tax and customs laws impartially and in the nation’s best interest.
He stressed the agency’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality in taxpayer and trader matters.
“It is a principle deemed essential for promoting public trust and ensuring compliance with the law,” he said.
Shidhudhu cautioned the public to approach sensationalist claims on social media with scepticism, particularly during the election period when misinformation can be rampant.
This incident is not isolated. In recent years, NamRA has faced similar unfounded allegations.
In 2022, the agency was accused of selectively targeting certain businesses for tax audits, a claim the agency denied, reiterating its commitment to impartiality and transparency.
Shidhudhu said the agency has a proactive stance in addressing misinformation.
He urged the public to verify claims through credible and official sources before accepting or disseminating them.
Shidhudhu said the agency will continue to execute its mandate without fear or favour, ensuring that all entities comply with Namibia’s tax and customs laws.
“The public is encouraged to remain vigilant against misinformation and to seek information from official channels to foster an informed and responsible discourse,” he cautioned.