Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Government has escalated its nationwide blitz against unfair business practices, with operations on Tuesday targeting Makoni Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza. The move is part of a broader effort to restore order in the retail sector and protect consumers from exploitation.
The joint operation, conducted by the Consumer Protection Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Trade Measures Department, aims to root out counterfeit products, underweight packaging, misleading labelling, and expired goods.
Trade Measures Inspector, Marian Mapuranga, emphasised the importance of the random spot checks, telling Zim GBC News,
“We want to make sure products are of the correct volume and quality so that customers get value for what they are purchasing. These checks are essential to clamp down on illicit practices that particularly harm vulnerable customers.”
Consumer Protection Commission spokesperson, Tom Muleya, issued a stern warning to non-compliant businesses.
“Every product must carry a price tag and be within its expiry date. Customers deserve the quality they pay for,” Muleya said.
“Expired or unlabelled goods, as well as meat and dairy products sold outside approved outlets, will be confiscated without hesitation.”
While some retailers complained about surprise inspections disrupting operations, many welcomed the campaign for providing valuable education on compliance standards.
The Commission’s director, Kudakwashe Muderere, highlighted the consequences for offenders.
“Those selling expired products will be prosecuted. Repeat offenders risk jail time under the Consumer Protection Act,” he affirmed.
Parallel Crackdown in Bulawayo
In a related development, several Chinese-owned retail shops in Bulawayo were shut down by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for various offences, including smuggling and failure to comply with fiscalisation laws.
Zim GBC News has seen a penalty order issued to one of the affected businesses, which states that the company failed to install fiscal devices that detect and trace sales in real time, a requirement under the Value Added Tax Act.
The order from ZIMRA Commissioner General notified the business of a fixed penalty of US$1,000, plus additional daily penalties of US$25 for continued non-payment and non-compliance, which can accumulate for up to 90 days.
Failure to comply may result in further recovery measures being instituted.
Authorities say these simultaneous crackdowns reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring fair trading and regulatory compliance across the country.
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