Government in collaboration with ZRP launches operation targeting shops selling fake, underweight and expired groceries

…Makoni shopping center in Chitungwiza on the spot

Government has stepped up its nationwide blitz
against unfair business practices extending
operations on Tuesday to Makoni Shopping
Centre in Chitungwiza.

The joint exercise, conducted with the Consumer
Protection Commission, Zimbabwe Republic
Police, the Trade Measures Department is aimed
at rooting out counterfeit products, underweight
packaging, misleading labelling and expired
goods.

Officials said the campaign is designed to protect
consumers, raise awareness among businesses
and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.

Trade Measures inspector Marian Mapuranga
told 263Chat that random spot checks were
essential to clamp down on illicit practices that
particularly harm vulnerable customers.

“We want to make sure products are of the
correct volume and quality so that customers get
value for what they are purchasing” she said.
Consumer Protection Commission spokesperson
Tom Muleya warned that expired or unlabeled
goods, as well as meat and dairy products sold
outside approved outlets, would be confiscated
without hesitation.

“Every product must carrya price tag and be
within its expiry date. Customers deserve the
quality they pay for” Muleya said.

While some wholesalers and retailers
complained about surprise inspections
disrupting business, many welcomed the
operation, saying it offered valuable education
on compliance standards.

The Commission’s director, Kudakwashe
Muderere said offenders would face stiff
penalties.

“Those selling expired products will be
prosecuted. Repeat offenders risk jail time under
the Consumer Protection Act” he said.

Authorities say the blitz is part of a broader
efforts to restore order in the retail sector and
reflects government’s commitment to protecting
consumers from exploitation and ensuring fair
trading across the country.