An investigation conducted by this publication has uncovered that fraudsters are repackaging essential items like rice and sugar using fake packaging in a bid to fleece consumers.
This illegal activity is particularly rampant in Mbare and Harare's downtown areas.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the National Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), Shalvar Chikomba, also condemned the actions of these unscrupulous dealers.
He called for urgent Government intervention to curb the spread of counterfeit products.
“This is a serious issue that not only undermines consumer confidence but also poses significant risks to public health. These counterfeit products are often of substandard quality and can contain harmful substances that endanger the well-being of consumers, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
“It’s not just about the financial loss to the consumer; it’s about the potential health hazards that come with consuming these fake products. The authorities need to take immediate and decisive action to clamp down on these illegal operations, conduct regular inspections, and enforce stringent penalties on those found guilty of these unethical practices to safeguard the public and restore trust in the marketplace,” Chikomba stated emphatically.
Consumers interviewed around Harare expressed outrage over the prevalence of counterfeit goods in the market, urging the Government to intervene swiftly to protect them from these deceptive practices.
One Harare resident, Mary Mutambirwa, condemned the counterfeiters, saying, “It’s very disturbing to see that people are packaging fake products and selling them to us. Government must act immediately to stop this before more people are affected.”
Another consumer, Tawanda Mupfiga, also voiced his frustration, stating, “I bought what I thought was a trusted brand of rice, only to find that it was repackaged with substandard grain. This is fraud, and these dealers should be brought to book.”
Grace Moyo, another resident, called for stringent measures against these illicit activities.
“Government must enforce stricter controls and punish those involved in this scam. We rely on these products for our daily needs, and it’s unacceptable that we are being sold fake goods,” she said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) spokesperson, Chris Kamba, were unsuccessful, as his mobile phones were not reachable at the time of publication.
