The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) is set to auction more than 50 vehicles and some motorcycles after the owners failed to pay taxes due, come January 13, as the taxman continues to wage war on tax defaulters.

An advert published in this paper on Thursday indicates that four vehicles are in the warehouse of Akagera Business Group in Karuruma, 15 in Gorilla Motors’s warehouse at Rwandex, and 26 at another warehouse in Kicukiro.

"It is just because they failed to pay related taxes on importation, that is; customs duties, value added tax, and excise duties,” said Raphael Tugirumuremyi, the Commissioner for the Customs Department.According to RRA, the vehicles’ dates of importation range from 2012 to 2016.

Potential buyers can check the vehicles and motorcycles due for auction between January 8 and 12 during working hours.

Tugirumuremyi said the investors concerned have been, repeatedly, requesting for extension so can raise the payment, but kept on failing to meet their part of the bargain.

He added: "When they fail, there is no other alternative but auction. These vehicles are in various private bonded warehouses. Normally, people are given a one year period to clear, which is renewable, depending on the reasons presented.”

"They always say they are still looking for clients but you know, this just can’t go on endlessly. These people are investors and we care about them but the law must be followed.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw