Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE Government has intensified efforts to curb the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic beverages and harmful substances, directing enforcement agencies and regulators to strengthen coordinated action against offenders.
In a statement, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the proliferation of illicit products was exposing consumers to serious health risks while undermining fair competition and economic development.
“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, threaten the social fabric and economic development of our nation,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“Unfortunately, our productive youths are increasingly exposed to these dangerous products which are manufactured and distributed clandestinely outside the bounds of the law.”
He commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police for arresting a syndicate allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit brew in Harare, saying the Government remained committed to safeguarding consumer rights and public health.
“While investigations and court processes are progressing, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensure that consumer rights and public health remain safeguarded,” he said.
“In line with the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:44], the ministry instructed the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) to intensify collaboration with enforcement agencies such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), Trade Measures and other sector regulators.
“This coordinated effort seeks to eliminate harmful, counterfeit and improperly labelled products from circulation while ensuring that only safe, lawfully manufactured goods reach the market.”
Minister Ndlovu said recent nationwide inspections had exposed widespread violations of consumer protection laws, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing authorities.
“A nationwide blitz recently conducted uncovered widespread consumer rights violations,” he said.
“Out of 1009 wholesale and retail outlets inspected, 40 business entities were prosecuted and issued with compliance notices while illicit stock was seized and prohibition notices enforced.”
Investigations also revealed that some operators were producing illegal merchandise in backyard settings to evade regulatory inspections and detection.
Minister Ndlovu warned that offenders would face stiff penalties under the Consumer Protection Act and the Food and Food Standards Act, adding that Government was engaging the courts to ensure deterrent punishments are imposed.
“The ministry assures the nation that perpetrators will face prosecution under penalty provisions in the Consumer Protection Act and the Food and Food Standards Act,” he said.
“The ministry is engaging the courts so that maximum deterrent penalties are imposed including administrative fines of up to two and a half per centum of annual net profit to ensure regulatory conformity and the protection of consumers.”
