by Christopher Makaza.

I have learnt with great shock on the price hikes by some heartless retailers and some ruthless tuck shop owners who are charging exorbitant prices on basic commodities, taking advantage of the current crisis to fleece citizens of their hard earned cash.

Yesterday morning, I went to the shops in Kuwadzana to purchase some few groceries only to be told that a 2 litre bottle of cooking oil was going for $15 dollars bond or US$5, while a 2kg of rice was pegged at $10 bond up from $4.50.

While the government is busy talking to manufacturers not to unjustifiably increase prices, the retailers on the other hand are busy illegally doing so to make quick money and massive profits. Surprisingly, the same 2l of cooking oil is going for $8 bond or transfer in big shops like Pick `n` Pay and OK.

What these shop owners are doing is daylight robbery. The difference between the purchase price and the selling price of these basic commodities is tantamount to an extremely massive and cruel ripping off of the innocent citizens.

On Tuesday, the War veterans highlighted that they were not against price increases but indicated that they were against individuals who are just increasing prices without justifiable reasons, adding that they were not going to hesitate to move in to protect the poor masses. The War Veterans suggested that all shops should display prices of commodities they are selling as is ethically and legally acceptable to avoid exploitation and manipulation of the public.

I call upon responsible authorities to come to the rescue of consumers and closely monitor the situation and enforce laws to avoid confusion on the market.