Prominent Lusaka lawyer, Joseph Chirwa, has taken legal action against the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), alleging that the agency unlawfully detained him and his children for over two hours at Chongwe Toll Gate after questioning the registration of his Malawian-registered Nissan Navara.
According to court documents filed at the Lusaka High Court, Mr. Chirwa asserts that the incident occurred in November 2024, when NRFA officers identified as Sunga and Rhoda stopped his vehicle at Chongwe Toll Gate and demanded an explanation regarding its foreign registration. Despite providing a valid Temporary Import Permit (TIP) issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), he claims the officers detained him from 14:00 to 16:25, preventing him from proceeding with his journey.
In his lawsuit, Mr. Chirwa argues that the actions of the NRFA officers amounted to false imprisonment, as there was no lawful justification for holding him for such an extended period after he had presented all required documentation. He states that the incident caused him significant distress, mental anguish, and inconvenience, particularly because his children were with him during the ordeal.
Mr. Chirwa is seeking damages for false imprisonment, arguing that the NRFA officers acted outside their legal mandate by detaining him unnecessarily despite his compliance with Zambian importation laws. He further contends that their actions violated his constitutional right to freedom of movement, and he is asking the court to award compensation for the emotional and psychological distress caused by the incident.
The case has drawn public interest, especially regarding the powers and responsibilities of NRFA officers in enforcing road regulations. Legal experts have weighed in, noting that while authorities have a duty to enforce compliance with vehicle registration laws, they must act within legal limits and respect citizens’ rights.
As the matter heads to court, the NRFA is expected to respond to the allegations, and the ruling in this case could set an important precedent regarding the treatment of motorists with foreign-registered vehicles in Zambia.
By Darius Choonya
