Fysal fined N$100k for illegal fuel import
Government has fined Fysal Fresh Produce N$100 000 for allegedly illegally importing fuel from Angola a fortnight ago.
Although the ministry of finance has refused to divulge the name of the company, Namibian Sun has reliably established that the fuel belonged to Fysal Fresh Produce. Speaking on the matter, ministry of finance spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed the incident, saying it occurred last month.
“The ministry of finance wishes to confirm that on or about 24 January 2020, illegal fuel was found in the premises of one of the prominent companies in the north situated on Main Road, Oshikango, by customs and excise officials,” he said. The fuel collected by the ministry's officials amounted to 12 600 litres of diesel, he said.
According to him, the implicated company contravened sections 14, 91 and 93(b) of the Customs and Excise Act 20 of 1998 as amended of the Act.
In terms of the Act, the company was given a fine of an amount of N$100 000, which it paid.
Two more companies were under investigation for importing fuel illegally. “We are busy tracing two more companies that are being suspected of engaging into similar illegal activities,” he said.
The ministry dismissed rumours that its officials had taken the fuel for their own use.
“The ministry wishes to reject talks going around especially on the social media that the illegal fuel was taken by the staff members of the Customs and Excise Directorate as completely false. The fuel was collected by Wesco Waste Management as per the arrangements with the Namibian government for safe disposal,” he said.
Angolan fuel is not permitted to be used in Namibia as it does not meet local standards. An active black market for the sale and distribution however exists in northern Namibia.
No comment could be obtained from Fysal.
OGONE TLHAGE
Although the ministry of finance has refused to divulge the name of the company, Namibian Sun has reliably established that the fuel belonged to Fysal Fresh Produce. Speaking on the matter, ministry of finance spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed the incident, saying it occurred last month.
“The ministry of finance wishes to confirm that on or about 24 January 2020, illegal fuel was found in the premises of one of the prominent companies in the north situated on Main Road, Oshikango, by customs and excise officials,” he said. The fuel collected by the ministry's officials amounted to 12 600 litres of diesel, he said.
According to him, the implicated company contravened sections 14, 91 and 93(b) of the Customs and Excise Act 20 of 1998 as amended of the Act.
In terms of the Act, the company was given a fine of an amount of N$100 000, which it paid.
Two more companies were under investigation for importing fuel illegally. “We are busy tracing two more companies that are being suspected of engaging into similar illegal activities,” he said.
The ministry dismissed rumours that its officials had taken the fuel for their own use.
“The ministry wishes to reject talks going around especially on the social media that the illegal fuel was taken by the staff members of the Customs and Excise Directorate as completely false. The fuel was collected by Wesco Waste Management as per the arrangements with the Namibian government for safe disposal,” he said.
Angolan fuel is not permitted to be used in Namibia as it does not meet local standards. An active black market for the sale and distribution however exists in northern Namibia.
No comment could be obtained from Fysal.
OGONE TLHAGE
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