Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
A DISTURBING new retail trend is sweeping through some of Mutare’s busiest streets, customers being subjected to invasive body searches in several of the so-called “dollar for two” or “China shops,” particularly those clustered around the intersection of ‘C’ Avenue and Second street.
What was once a casual, shopping experience has, for many, turned into a possible moment of shame, discomfort, and public outrage.
These body searches, typically carried out by private security guards, are reportedly done on every shopper upon exit regardless of suspicion, age, or gender under the justification of preventing shoplifting.
While guards insist, they are “acting under instruction,” customers are crying foul.
Many argue that the practice is dehumanising and likely infringes on their constitutional rights.
“Surely I can’t be subjected to those body searches every time I enter the shop,” said a visibly irritated customer. Why can’t they invest in better systems like CCTV to monitor customer behaviour instead of touching our bodies like criminals?” quipped Mrs Nyaradzo Mutize.
Although most of these searches are conducted by same-gender guards, shoppers say the experience borders on harassment.
In some instances, customers allege being inappropriately touched or made to feel violated in public.
For women, in particular, the humiliation is worsened by the nature and frequency of these checks.
Human rights observers say these shops may be crossing a line.
“In the absence of clear suspicion or reasonable cause, such invasive searches violate a person’s right to dignity and privacy, protected under Section 51 and 57 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution,” said a Mutare-based human rights lawyer, speaking anonymously.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), a statutory body that champions the interests of consumers, has a vital role to play in intervening against such practices.
CCZ could conduct investigations, raise public awareness, and call for regulatory guidelines that balance security with human dignity.
While private businesses are entitled to protect their property, their methods must be proportionate and respectful.
A blanket policy of searching every shopper is likely an overreach especially when no shoplifting has occurred.
Unlike airports or high-security institutions where searches are a legal requirement, ‘dollar-for-two shops’ have no legal authority to routinely pat down customers unless theft is suspected.
There is an urgent need for consumer education.
Shoppers must be made aware of their rights, particularly the fact that they are not legally obligated to submit to a body search unless there is clear and reasonable suspicion, or unless the store has prominently displayed signage indicating that such checks are part of its entry conditions.
An informed consumer is a protected consumer, and awareness is the first step toward resistance against abuse.
CCZ must step up its watchdog role by investigating these practices and issuing clear, enforceable guidelines for retail conduct.
This is especially crucial in informal and low-cost retail sectors, where consumer rights are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Customers who experience harassment or humiliation during these invasive body searches must be encouraged to file complaints with local police stations, the CCZ, or the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Shoppers must be vigilant. Regulators must respond. And businesses must be reminded that every Zimbabwean has the right to shop without shame, fear, or unwarranted intrusion.
