adminNokukhanya Moyo and Sandra Tekere Sunday News Reporters
POLICE in Bulawayo yesterday destroyed by burning more than 8 000 pirated discs as they launched an operation targeted at curbing the increase in pirated and counterfeit materials being sold on the city’s streets. Speaking on the sidelines of the exercise that was held at Ross Camp, Chief Superintendent Marshal Dube of the Crime Prevention Unit, warned members of the public that police will be descending hard on those involved in piracy.
The exercise was also witnessed by Zimbabwe Music Rights Association manager Mr Saviours Matiza.
Chief Supt Dube said he was happy that they were destroying such a huge number saying this was a sign that the police were committed to the exercise.
“Those caught selling or dealing in pirated and counterfeit products will be arrested. Their products will be confiscated and destroyed and today I am even proud to be destroying such a huge number of illegal discs. By counterfeit we also mean fake products like irons, brake pads, pesticides, electrical gadgets, pharmaceutical and pesticide products,” he said.
Bulawayo Province acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abedinico Ncube said pirating items does not only deprive the producers but consumers and the Government as the pirates do not pay tax.
“They sell discs at $1 for two for their own benefit because they do not pay tax and they target places like shopping malls and bus termini where they are many people,” said Asst Insp Ncube.
“Some of the items which are being sold on the streets like pesticides and pharmaceuticals may be cheap and affordable but may cost one’s life, fake brake pads may even cause fatal accidents, so this exercise is for the benefit of the public.
“People must go to licensed dealers to purchase these things. The destruction of these discs will correct people`s mentality that we take confiscated goods for our own use. We do not personalise the goods we burn them.”
Commenting on the exercise, Mr Matiza said; “I am so happy that the police are working with us to curb this illegal act and these people should be arrested because musical works is an intellectual property belonging to someone therefore the owners of the music should benefit from them.
“Musicians are protected by a common law that is Copyright and Neighbouring Right Act (Chapter 26:05). It is even disappointing that these people do not understand that music is a source of income to the artiste.”
derick.khumalo