shloboe boe
Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has announced that more than 90 businesses have been prosecuted for exploiting consumers during an ongoing Cabinet-directed operation against business malpractices. The operation, which aims to curb unfair business practices, has uncovered several violations, including the sale of counterfeit products and underweight goods as well as multi-tier pricing.
The rise of the informal sector has seen an increase in consumer complaints, particularly on social media, regarding businesses engaging in unscrupulous activities. The CPC, operating under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, is tasked with enforcing the Consumer Protection Act, which aims to protect consumers from unfair business practices, including the improper labelling of products, the unauthorised disclosure of consumer information and misleading trade descriptions.
In a recent public notice, the CPC revealed that it had uncovered a sugar repackaging syndicate in Mashonaland Central Province, specifically in Bindura’s Central Business District (CBD). The illegal operation involved repackaging low-quality, underweight sugar and falsely labelling it as 2kg under the brands Star Brand and Sugar Pack, when it actually weighed only 1,6kg. This fraudulent activity was aimed at deceiving consumers and short-changing them.
“The Consumer Protection Commission wants to inform the public that a syndicate of unscrupulous businesses in Mashonaland Central was caught repackaging sugar, which was falsely labelled as 2kgs when it was only 1,6kgs. The business was a major supplier of illegally repackaged sugar across the country,” said CPC.
As a result of the discovery, the shop involved has been shut down, and the sugar stock has been confiscated. Legal proceedings are underway against the perpetrators.
The CPC also highlighted that the ongoing operation has led to the prosecution of over 90 businesses involved in unfair practices. Those found guilty of serious offences are being taken to court to face charges. The commission emphasised that such actions violate Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, which mandates that all goods and services must meet the prescribed safety and quality standards.
The Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted on December 10, 2019, is aimed at safeguarding consumers’ rights and ensuring that businesses adhere to fair and ethical practices.
The Commission’s efforts in the ongoing blitz are seen as a significant step toward protecting consumers from exploitation and ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework.
