‎Harare, (New Ziana) – The Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)’s Consumer Protection Committee (CPC) has issued a consumer alert following a massive recall of over 429,200 Casely portable 5000mAh MagSafe wireless phone chargers, due to serious fire and burn hazards.

‎In a statement, COMESA competition commission, director consumer welfare and advocacy, Steven Kamukama said the alert comes after Casely Inc., a U.S.-based tech accessory company headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, voluntarily initiated the recall on April 17, this year.

‎“The COMESA Competition Commission has become aware that on April 17, 2025, Casely Inc a company based in Brookyln, New York, USA instituted a voluntary recall of over 429,200 Casely portable 5000mAh MagSafe wireless phone charger with model number E33A following complaints from the public.

‎“According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) press httpss/wwpostesC.comv/Retsallastasely- Recalls Wireless-Portable-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards, the lithium- ion battery in the recalled power banks can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers,” said Kamukama.
‎He said according to the U.S. CPSC, the lithium-ion battery in the recalled power banks can overheat, expand, or even ignite while charging, posing significant safety risks.

‎The recall follows 51 reported incidents of malfunction, including six cases of minor burn injuries, he said.
‎Kamukama said the devices were manufactured in China and sold online via getcasely.com, Amazon.com, and other e-commerce platforms from March 2022 to September 2024, retailing between $30 and $70.

‎Given the product’s widespread availability, including to consumers in the COMESA region, the commission has expressed concern over its continued use, he said.
‎The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the power banks and not to dispose of them through regular recycling or used battery collection bins due to the heightened fire risk.

‎Instead, affected users should contact Casely to receive a free replacement.

‎This involves submitting two photographs: one showing the front of the power bank marked “Recalled” with the date, and another displaying the model number on the back.
‎“The CPSC warns consumers who might be in possession of the recalled wireless portable power banks to immediately stop using and contact Casely for a free replacement by filling out the online form and submit two photographs; one should be the front of the power bank with the word “Recalled” on it and the date written in permanent marker,” he said.

‎In line with Article 30(1)(b) of the COMESA Competition Regulations, the Commission urges all consumers in the Common Market to check their devices and take immediate steps to return the product for replacement. Consumers who encounter issues linked to the recalled item are encouraged to report them to their national consumer protection authorities.

New Ziana