AndrewHarmony Agere
Investigations Reporter
CONSUMERS are bearing the brunt of unfair pricing by retailers who are wantonly increasing prices of basic commodities.
The Sunday Mail has also established that some shop owners, particularly in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro and Glen View, are now exclusively demanding US dollars for basic commodities such as mealie-meal.
The businesses are taking advantage of Government’s recent policy to allow the transacting public to use free funds to pay for goods and services.
Investigations show that in Kuwadzana, a 10kg bag of subsidised roller meal is being sold for US$7, while a loaf of bread is retailing for US$1.
Most LPG gas traders have increased the price from about US$1,25 per kg to between US$2,50 and US$3.
Some unscrupulous traders are demanding bribes to allow customers to buy goods through the backdoor in defiance of Government’s directive for businesses to close at 3pm under the prevailing Covid-19 national lockdown rules. The US dollar prices and the practice of asking for bribes for the opportunity to shop are greatly inconveniencing most households, just two weeks into the 21-day lockdown.
“The prices are shocking. We couldn’t afford the old pricing regime and they tripled it. Worse, some are demanding US dollars exclusively,” said a Kuwadzana Extension resident, Mr Enkelbert Machirori.
“What are we supposed to do? We will starve. Most of us are self-employed and cannot afford a day at home. It’s a tragedy because we survive from hand to mouth.”
Other residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasised the need to control the ever-increasing cost of living, especially during the current lockdown.
However, retailers blame the price increases on suppliers.
“We have no choice. We can only put a mark-up that allows us to make a profit and remain in business,” said Mr Moses Moyo, who operates a shop in Kuwadzana Extension.
“If the supplier is charging foreign currency, then as a retailer my hands are tied.”
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu warned against unrelenting price adjustments.
“That is predatory behaviour and it must stop,” he said.
“After the disaster, customers will snub those who overcharge.”
Mr Mutashu said the law should be applied against greedy retailers.
Some residents argue that they are informal traders and need to earn money and food for families on a daily basis.
More than 2 000 people have been arrested for flouting Covid-19 rules.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said some people were arrested for operating shebeens, while others had failed to observe social distancing.
Some motorists were arrested for unnecessarily moving around.
Law enforcement agents say some of the people were arrested fors offences that include abusing the exemption rule on essential services, trying to bribe or lying to police details manning roadblocks.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa imposed a 21-day national lockdown to fight the spread of Covid-19, which has caused the deaths of more than 100 000 people around the world and infected over 1,5 million.
Zimbabwe’s lockdown is expected to end on Sunday April 19.
The country has so far recorded 13 cases, including three deaths.
Online Reporter