The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has arrested customs clearing agent Rhoda Ndovie on allegations of falsifying import documents, in a case directly linked to the controversial importation of campaign materials for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) and its president, Enock Chihana.
The arrest of Ndovie significantly escalates the probe into Chihana’s role in the scandal. MRA officials hinted that her arrest and further probe on her actions could lead to Chihana himself and several other individuals connected to the scandal being arrested to face charges of customs fraud and tax evasion.
“This arrest is not an isolated event, it is part of a chain. The importation was done in Chihana’s name, the goods were found at his house, and now the agent who processed the paperwork has been arrested. The next logical step may very well be Chihana himself,” said the MRA official.
Ndovie, who operates under the business name Limu Clearing, was arrested on Tuesday following an MRA investigation triggered by reports of suspected tax offenses at Dedza Border Post.
According to an official MRA statement, Ndovie is accused of falsifying import paperwork by swapping the importer’s name from AFORD/DPP to Rhoda Ndovie-Chigomezgo and Bongani Investments in order to disguise the true ownership of the goods.
The disputed consignment included branded political campaign T-shirts allegedly imported from South Africa. MRA investigators allege that the goods’ quantity and value were deliberately understated, resulting in tax evasion estimated at over K300 million.
MRA Acting Head of Corporate Affairs Wilma Chalulu said Ndovie is also being investigated for tax evasion involving her own business entities, including suspected non-payment of Value Added Tax (VAT).
A search was conducted at Chihana’s residence in Area 9, Lilongwe, earlier this week, where the goods were allegedly offloaded.
Already, Chihana has publicly questioned the motives behind the raid at his home, dismissing it as “politically motivated.” However, the arrest of a third party directly tied to the same consignment undercuts that argument and suggests the case is far from over.
Chihana has positioned himself as the face of the DPP-Northern Alliance coalition and is vigorously campaigning for the DPP in anticipation of getting the position of second-vice president if they win the forthcoming elections.
