By Burnett Munthali
Innocent Nahipa, a 30-year-old man, has been fined K500,000 after the Ntcheu Magistrate’s Court found him guilty of evading tax at the Chingeni toll gate. This ruling was delivered by Senior Magistrate Alleyab Imani, who emphasized the importance of adhering to government regulations.
According to reports from Sub Inspector Thomas Lucio, Nahipa was driving a Honda Freed when he attempted to evade payment at the toll gate in September this year. Upon approaching the toll booth, he was instructed to pay K1,000 as a toll fee. However, Nahipa allegedly tried to bypass this requirement.
The situation escalated when officials at the toll gate noticed his actions. Lucio reported that Nahipa successfully passed through the toll booth initially but was apprehended on his return journey due to surveillance footage captured by the Roads Fund’s secret camera.
During the court proceedings, evidence was presented showing Nahipa’s attempt to avoid paying the toll, which is a violation of government tax regulations. Senior Magistrate Imani described the case as a clear instance of tax evasion, reinforcing that such actions undermine the government’s efforts to collect necessary revenue for public services.
Nahipa hails from Ntonya, a village under the chiefdom of Nsamala in Balaka district. This incident not only highlights individual accountability but also serves as a reminder to the community about the importance of compliance with local laws and regulations.
The conviction and fine imposed on Innocent Nahipa underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing tax laws and ensuring that all motorists comply with toll requirements. As authorities continue to monitor toll payments and tax compliance, this case serves as a warning to others who might consider evading their financial responsibilities at toll gates.
