GG Car Rentals in Blantyre will have to pay over K34 million in Customs duty and penalties after being found in possession of four Toyota Fortuners that were not properly cleared.

This follows the seizure of 10 vehicles, six of which were taken to Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Headquarters at Msonkho House and the remaining four were embargoed at BCA Hill as they could not be moved.

The owner of GG Car Rentals, Gerald Ganiza, admitted that at least four of his Toyota Fortuners were not duly cleared by Customs. He therefore stands accused of violating Customs laws by buying and having in his possession goods that were subject to customs control.

He will have to pay duty of K26, 555,243.46 and a penalty of not less than K7, 966,573.04 for the four Toyota Fortuners. This means that he will have to pay a total of K34, 521,816.50 in duty and penalties for the four vehicles.

However, this amount is likely to rise because preliminary investigations by MRA found out that the car owner is alleged to be in possession of 18 vehicles that were not duly cleared by Customs.

A tax investigations team is currently assessing the duty and penalties for the remaining 14 vehicles. MRA wishes to inform all businesses and the general public that non- payment of duty is an offence which is punishable by law in accordance with Section 134 (c) of the Customs and Excise Act.