Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Government has intensified efforts to stamp out the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic beverages and harmful substances following the arrest of a syndicate that was allegedly manufacturing illegal brew in Harare.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the proliferation of illicit alcohol manufacturers is exposing consumers to serious health risks.
He said it is also undermining fair competition and threatening socio-economic development.
In a statement, Minister Ndlovu said authorities are concerned by the increasing availability of dangerous products, particularly among youths.
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has noted with concern the proliferation of harmful substances and illicit alcoholic beverages that expose consumers to serious health risks, undermine fair competition, and threaten the social fabric and economic development of our nation,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our productive youths are increasingly exposed to these dangerous products that are manufactured and distributed clandestinely outside the bounds of the law.”
Minister Ndlovu commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for recently busting a syndicate linked to the manufacturing and distribution of illicit brew in Harare.
“While investigations and court processes are progressing, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that consumer rights and public health are safeguarded,” he added.
The ministry has directed the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) to intensify collaboration with law enforcement agencies and regulators, including the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), to clear the market of counterfeit, harmful and improperly labelled products.
The move follows a nationwide blitz that uncovered widespread violations of consumer protection laws.
Minister Ndlovu said 1 009 wholesale and retail outlets were inspected during the operation, resulting in 40 businesses being prosecuted and issued with compliance notices, while illicit products were confiscated.
Investigations also revealed that many offenders are manufacturing illegal products in backyard facilities to evade inspections and detection.
“Many operators produce their illegal merchandise in backyard settings as a way to evade inspection and detection.
“This discovery further underscores the need for heightened enforcement and enhanced coordination, which the Ministry commits to undertake,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said perpetrators will face prosecution under the Consumer Protection Act and the Food and Food Standards Act.
He said Government is engaging the courts to ensure deterrent penalties are imposed on offenders, including administrative fines of up to 2,5 percent of annual net profits.
The public has been urged to report suspected illicit brewing activities as part of efforts to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses and strengthen the country’s consumer protection framework.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the health and economic consequences of illicit alcohol, which authorities say continues to threaten public safety and undermine lawful enterprises.
