Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A 34-YEAR-OLD Harare woman, Spiwe Mutandwa, has appeared in court after she was arrested while repackaging 3 600 kilogrammes of sugar in counterfeit Tongaat Hullets Pvt Ltd packages.
Mutandwa was facing fraud charges when she appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai today.
She was freed on US$200 bail.
The court heard that on August 29, 2026, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) received intelligence to the effect that the accused person was unlawfully repackaging sugar into 2kg packages bearing the Tongaat Hulett brand at a residence in Southlea Park, Harare, without the knowledge, authority or consent of Tongaat Hulett (Pvt) Ltd.
It was further alleged that the repackaged sugar was underweight.
On the same date, a team of ZACC officers conducted surveillance, which subsequently led to a search and raid of the premises.
During the operation, a truck, a Toyota Dyna with registration number AGO 1885, was found parked at the premises.
A search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the recovery of a consignment of sugar packed in 2kg bags bearing the Hulett brand.
The packaging was allegedly a replica of the packaging ordinarily used by Tongaat Hulett for its sugar products.
A further search of the premises resulted in the recovery of empty 2kg packages bearing the Hulett branding and packaging equipment, including sealers, 3 blowers and a scale, which were allegedly being used in the repackaging of the sugar.
The total quantity of sugar recovered was approximately 3,600 kilogrammes. The court alleged that the accused person had the said sugar and packaging materials and was involved in repackaging the sugar into packages bearing the Tongaat Hulett brand, with the intention of distributing, displaying or selling the products to members of the public.
It also noted that the accused person unlawfully represented the repackaged sugar as a Tongaat Hulett product by placing it in packaging bearing the Tongaat Hulett brand, without the authority or consent of Tongaat Hulett (Pvt) Ltd.
In addition, the court heard that the conduct of the accused was allegedly intended to deceive, or was undertaken in circumstances where the accused realised that there was a real risk or possibility of deceiving unsuspecting consumers about the identity, origin, quantity or authenticity of the product.
The accused person, the court heard, exposed consumers and/or Tongaat Hulett (Pvt) Ltd to potential financial prejudice and damage to the reputation and goodwill associated with the Tongaat Hulett brand.
Mrs Sthembeni Moyo prosecuted.
