LUSAKA, Zambia – The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media suggesting that it is holding trucks or goods belonging to a political party, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala, the tax authority clarified that no goods belonging to any political organization are currently being held at any border post, checkpoint, or warehouse under its custody.
Mr. Nzala emphasized that ZRA remains a professional and non-partisan institution whose mandate is to collect revenue and facilitate legitimate trade on behalf of all Zambians.
He explained that all cargo detentions and interceptions conducted at border posts and checkpoints are part of routine customs and tax compliance operations, which are carried out without consideration of political affiliation or ownership.
“ZRA is a professional institution mandated to collect revenue and facilitate trade for all Zambians. All detentions and cargo interceptions at our borders and checkpoints are routine customs and tax compliance operations, carried out without regard to political affiliation,” Mr. Nzala said.
The authority further noted that all imported goods entering Zambia are subjected to standard customs procedures, inspections, and applicable duties regardless of who owns them.
According to ZRA, there has been no formal appeal or complaint submitted by any political party regarding the alleged seizure or detention of goods. Mr. Nzala revealed that neither the ZRA Head Office nor the Office of the Commissioner General has received any communication concerning such claims.
The clarification comes amid growing social media speculation regarding alleged political interference in customs enforcement activities.
ZRA has since urged members of the public to verify information through official channels before sharing or reacting to unverified reports online.
The authority reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and professionalism in executing its mandate while ensuring that all importers and businesses are treated equally under the law.
As misinformation continues to spread rapidly on social media platforms, ZRA encouraged citizens to rely on official statements and verified sources for accurate information regarding customs operations and revenue collection activities.
Francis Chipalo