adminare opening their own retail outlets and selling beef directly to individuals at the same price that they charge to the butcheries and other bulk buyers.
The practice could push the small retailers out of business, analysts said.
Butcheries are selling beef at an average price of US$5,80 per kg. Abattoirs, on the other hand, are allegedly selling beef to wholesalers and other bulk buyers for an average of US$4,80 per kg, the same price they are reportedly charging in their retail outlets.
In a notice published in the Government Gazette last week, CTC chairman Mr Dumisani Sibanda said the abattoirs were operating in contravention of Section 28 of the Competition Act.
Under Section 28, the commission has the authority to investigate any restrictive practice that it has reason to believe exists.
The commission has given stakeholders seven days to make written submissions to be used in the investigation regarding the perceived unfair practices by the abattoirs.
“All written representations to the commission in regard to any monopoly situation by private abattoirs will be treated in strict confidence and will only be used for the purposes of this investigation,” said Mr Sibanda.
The mandate of the commission is to ensure the promotion and maintenance of the competition and fair trade in the economy and also the prevention and control of monopoly situations.
The commission is also involved in the investigation of restrictive and unfair trade practices hindering the growth of domestic industry.
Online Reporter