The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has uncovered a scam within its ongoing Mass Tax Refund Initiative, leading to unauthorized refunds totaling over N$666,000 from January through April. This involved 47 individuals.

The NamRA Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, stated that an internal probe revealed that newly enrolled taxpayers, mostly jobless persons without any previous tax obligations, were erroneously facilitated for refund claims stretching as far back as 2011.

"So far, a NamRA employee has been suspended, and the detail of an officer from the Ministry of Finance has been revoked. Additionally, three other individuals suspected in this case were apprehended and made their first appearance at the Windhoek Magistrate's Court last week," he stated.

In light of these developments, NamRA has issued a strong caution to the public, urging vigilance and advising against providing personal banking details or identification documents to third parties for tax-related transactions.

The agency emphasized again that genuine tax refunds are handled exclusively via official NamRA offices and approved channels.

NamRA restated its dedication to maintaining a Zero Tolerance policy towards corruption, ensuring they adhere to the strictest levels of honesty, openness, and confidence from the public.