Online Reporter
Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
IN last week’s instalment, I shared a troubling encounter at a well-known abattoir along Seke Road, where I was approached by men dressed in white gumboots and branded uniforms, claiming to be staff selling discounted meat.
Their appearance and confident pitch raised serious concerns about consumer deception and regulatory failure.
At the time, I reported that there was no signage warning customers about these impersonators — a claim that requires clarification following a meeting with the slaughterhouse’s management.
The reality is more nuanced.
The abattoir has, in fact, placed signage warning customers about fraudulent vendors. However, the impersonators have elevated their deception — crafting uniforms almost identical to those worn by actual staff and printing fake identification cards bearing the abattoir’s logo.
This elaborate scheme misleads customers into believing they are dealing with legitimate employees, making the signage easy to overlook or dismiss.
Management revealed that this issue has plagued them for over nine years.
Despite repeated efforts to engage municipal authorities, law enforcers and regulatory bodies, the vendors remain entrenched.
Their presence is not only a nuisance but also a threat to consumer safety and the abattoir’s reputation.
The sale of potentially unsafe meat outside official premises, without receipts or accountability, violates Zimbabwe’s Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44), specifically Sections 36 and 37, which prohibit misleading representations and fraudulent schemes.
To address the crisis, the abattoir has taken several steps.
For instance, new signs have been installed at strategic points, warning customers to only transact within the official butchery and to be wary of individuals operating outside the premises.
A new entrance now leads directly into the abattoir, bypassing the shared access point previously used by other businesses.
This gives management greater control over who enters and exits, reducing the risk of interception by impersonators.
Also, management has launched a social media initiative, posting warnings and educational content to help the public identify legitimate staff and avoid fraudulent vendors.
However, while these measures are commendable, the problem persists.
The impersonators continue to operate with impunity, emboldened by inconsistent enforcement from the authorities.
The slaughterhouse has done what it can within its means, but the burden of enforcement must be shared.
Regulatory bodies, particularly the Consumer Protection Commission, must intervene with urgency.
This is not just a business issue — it is a matter of public health and consumer rights. Consumers also have a role to play.
Vigilance is key.
Always insist on receipts, verify the legitimacy of sellers and avoid transactions outside official premises.
Uniforms and logos are no longer reliable indicators of authenticity.
The Seke Road abattoir’s struggle reflects a broader systemic failure — one where businesses are left to fend off organised deception with limited support.
It is time for a coordinated response.
The authorities must enforce the law, protect consumers and support businesses that are actively working to uphold standards.
As a community advocate, my intent is to protect consumers and demand accountability.
But I also acknowledge the efforts made by the abattoir and the complexity of the challenge they face.
The fight against impersonation is far from over, but with continued vigilance, collaboration and enforcement, progress is possible.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing and customer service consultant, customer experience columnist, and sales and service trainer. Contact details: [email protected] or +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess
