An official from South Sudan Chamber of Commerce has asked national security agents and police personal extorting truck drivers in Juba to desist from the act.

Speaking to reporters in Juba on Wednesday, the deputy head of Chamber of Commerce, Ladu Lukak said the chamber has been inundated with complaints of extortion of truck drivers while working in Juba.

He further said those involved in “illegal” tax collection claim to either be police officers or national security agents.

Lukak, who is also a businessman, stressed that only the South Sudan National Revenue Authority (SSNRA) is allowed by law to collect taxes, not police or other organized forces.

“If government does not control the system, I think the issue of collecting random taxes will not be stopped. There are irregularities in collecting taxes because there are people who collect money without the knowledge of the government. But if restrictions are in place, we will know who is doing such illegal activities,” said Lukak.

He added, “Money that is collected from the customs, passports and departments should be placed in the revenue authority’s account. Therefore, there is no person, ministry or institution that has the right to collect revenue except the national revenue authority”.

The prominent businessman’s warning follows concerns from truck drivers who complained of extortion at illegal checkpoints in Juba.