Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
A NATIONWIDE crackdown against unscrupulous businesses engaging in illegal practices that include smuggling, has been launched by Government, with 419 such organisations already prosecuted.
The crackdown is being led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce working with other Government agencies.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Industry said they are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to combat business malpractices, as Government seeks to entrench consumer protection and promote fair trade.
“A nationwide crackdown on smuggling is underway and it involves impromptu inspections on businesses to ensure compliance with regulations.
“Offenders who exploit consumers through unfair practices, including selling counterfeit products, delivering underweight goods, imposing multi-tier pricing schemes and using inadequate labelling among other deceptive dealings, are being prosecuted,” reads the statement.
The Ministry of Industry warned that those violating the Consumer Protection Act, which is administered to protect consumers and ensure that businesses adhere to fair and ethical practice, would be dealt with accordingly.
“The ministry is pleased to inform the public that to date, a cumulative total of 3 779 businesses has been inspected with 419 prosecutions finalised.
“A total of 402 compliance notices have been issued and 4 816 units of various substandard products were seized,” added the statement.
Government will continue with awareness and enforcement campaigns throughout the provinces until all businesses comply with the law.
The efforts are part of measures aimed at protecting consumers, improving product quality and service delivery under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025).
The public has been advised to report unscrupulous businesses to the Consumer Protection Commission, the Trade Measures Department or the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, for corrective measures to be taken.
Peter Tanyanyiwa