Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
THE recent much publicised arrest of Bornwell Dirwai in Harare for selling counterfeit and expired goods has sparked national concern, highlighting a growing crisis affecting consumers and businesses alike.
This troubling development mirrors the situation in Mutare, where grocery items are increasingly sold on the streets alongside fruits and vegetables.
As the day winds down on Herbert Chitepo Street, vendors flood the pavements and vehicles packed with goods line the streets, stretching from the intersection with C Avenue to the downtown area.
Among these traders, attractively priced items such as cooking oil, milk, cereals and yoghurts draw eager buyers.
However, behind these bargains lurks a hidden danger as some of these products are counterfeit or expired, posing significant health and economic risks to unsuspecting consumers.
The proliferation of counterfeit goods in Zimbabwe is, not an isolated issue, but part of a larger global crisis.
Counterfeiting is a lucrative illegal industry, with global sales estimated between US$1,7 trillion and US$4,5 trillion annually, a figure that rivals the economies of some of the world’s largest nations.
The consequences of this underground trade are severe, depriving governments of tax revenue, businesses of income, and society of job opportunities.
The Zimbabwean market has not been spared either as counterfeit goods have found their way onto the market.
Smuggling and the expansion of the informal sector have exacerbated this trend, allowing counterfeit items to flood the streets and markets.
The risks associated with counterfeit goods go beyond economic losses. They present a serious threat to public health, particularly when fraudulent medicines are involved.
These fake pharmaceuticals often contain harmful substances, incorrect doses, or no active ingredients at all.
In extreme cases, counterfeit medicines have been found to include toxic components like rat poison.
Such fraudulent drugs, not only fail to treat illnesses, but also contribute to the rise of drug-resistant strains of diseases, worsening global health crises.
Beyond medicines, counterfeit products span a wide range of goods, including groceries, luxury items, and daily necessities, all of which undermine consumer trust and safety.
Zimbabwe’s legal framework, particularly the Trademarks Act (Chapter 26:04), provides a foundation for combating counterfeiting. The law defines counterfeit goods as those bearing unauthorised trademarks likely to deceive or confuse consumers.
While this is a step in the right direction, experts agree that the legislation needs urgent updates to address modern counterfeiting methods.
Harmonising local laws with international standards such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) could bolster the country’s efforts to curb counterfeiting.
Stricter penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines, will act as stronger deterrents.
Additionally, establishing specialised intellectual property units within courts could expedite the resolution of counterfeit cases, ensuring swifter justice for offenders.
The technological landscape also offers tools to address the counterfeit crisis. Solutions such as QR codes and blockchain technology could be employed to verify the authenticity of goods and enhance supply chain transparency.
These measures will allow consumers and businesses to track products from production to sale, reducing the chances of counterfeit items entering the market.
Advanced detection methods, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, invisible pigments, and holograms, could further strengthen enforcement at borders and within markets.
However, laws and technology alone cannot solve the problem. Consumer education is critical in empowering individuals to identify counterfeit goods and understand the risks associated with them.
Nationwide awareness campaigns, digital platforms for product verification, and community outreach initiatives could help bridge the knowledge gap. Consumers must be equipped with the tools and information needed to make informed purchasing decisions.
Addressing the counterfeit crisis also requires investment in capacity building. Customs and law enforcement officials must receive proper training and resources to detect and intercept counterfeit goods effectively.
Strengthening bilateral relationships with neighbouring countries is equally essential to combat cross-border counterfeiting.
Zimbabwe could also benefit from collaboration with international organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and INTERPOL, which offer expertise and support in enforcing anti-counterfeit measures.
The Consumer Protection Council of Zimbabwe (CPCZ) and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) have a critical role to play in this fight. These bodies are tasked with safeguarding consumer rights, advocating for stronger enforcement of laws, and educating the public on the dangers of counterfeit products.
However, their efforts must be supported by adequate resources and a robust legal and institutional framework.
The proliferation of counterfeit goods in Zimbabwe undermines public health, erodes economic stability, and shakes consumer confidence.
While Government action is crucial, the fight against counterfeiting also demands the active involvement of businesses and consumers.
By remaining vigilant, questioning suspiciously low prices, and advocating for stronger measures, Zimbabweans can protect their markets and communities.
In this context, Zimbabwe’s Industrial Reconstruction Growth Plan emerges as a strategic initiative to address some of the root causes of counterfeiting.
This plan aims to revitalise the industrial sector and boost local production, reducing reliance on imported goods some of which are counterfeit.
By fostering industrial growth, Government seeks to provide quality, locally made alternatives, which can help curb the demand for suspiciously cheap goods in informal markets.
Initiatives under the plan focus on modernising production facilities, creating jobs, and increasing the availability of affordable, genuine products in the market.
These efforts, combined with robust anti-counterfeiting measures, could significantly mitigate the counterfeit crisis.
As the streets of Mutare and other cities across the country continue to buzz with activity, we must remember that every fake product sold cheats the system, endangers lives, and threatens livelihoods.
The time to act decisively is now. With concerted effort, Zimbabwe can rise above the counterfeit epidemic and foster a culture of authenticity and accountability.
Lloyd Makonya, is a heritage practitioner with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and a student of the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Master in Intellectual Property programme at Africa University. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on +263773791417 or [email protected]
