Tanzanian leader irked over courts' sluggishness in dealing with tax evasion cases

Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Thursday expressed concern over the slow pace of the east African nation's courts in dealing with tax evasion cases.

Speaking at celebrations to mark Law Day in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, President Magufuli said: "I am not happy with the slow prosecution of cases concerning tax evasion."

The President ordered the courts and other relevant stakeholders to iron out hurdles that were slowing down the prosecution of tax evasion cases.

Since he came to power in November 2015, President Magufuli vowed to boost government revenue collection and enhance provision of services such as health, education and water.

"Non-collection of taxes was slowing down efforts aimed at improving the country's development," said Magufuli.

He said between 2005 and 2016 big companies owe the government taxes to the tune of 3.5 billion U.S. dollars despite winning all cases in courts of law.

"It is impossible to see an investor mining our minerals without paying taxes despite the fact that the court has ordered the investor to pay due taxes," said Magufuli.

However, he paid tribute to the judiciary for reforms it was undergoing, saying the reforms will ease delivery of justice.

He directed the Director of Public Prosecution, the Attorney Chamber's Office, the police, the Prevention and Combating Corruption Bureau and the judiciary to work closely to avoid conflicts in the course of delivering justice. Endit