Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested 12 suspects accused of repackaging Tongaat Hulett sugar into underweight 2kg packs at a house in Waterfalls, Harare.
ZACC spokesperson Mrs Simiso Mlevu said the operation uncovered bulk sugar stored in 50kg bags and finished packs labelled as 2kg but weighing between 1,7kg and 1,8kg.
“The Commission executed a targeted raid on a house in Waterfalls where we arrested 12 suspects who have been repackaging Tongaat Hulett sugar into 2kg plastic packages. The sugar is about 1,7 to 1,8kg. They do not have a scale in place, so they are just estimating,” she said.
Mrs Mlevu said the Commission had recovered approximately 10 tonnes of sugar, with verification of the exact quantity still underway.
“While some of the sugar has been packaged into 2kg packs, the bulk is still in 50kg bags,” she said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court within the next two days to face charges of violating the Trade Marks Act.
Ms Mlevu said the operation had also exposed potential public health risks due to the unhygienic conditions at the premises.
“If you notice the area around, you will see very dirty blankets and shoes, even the containers being used for packing are very dirty. We are looking at the impact of corruption on the health of citizens,” she said.
