Harare, (New Ziana) – In a bid to protect the country’s economy and citizens, the government has pledged to take decisive action against the influx of smuggled counterfeit goods.
The pledge was made by Industry and Commerce Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu at a meeting on counterfeit products attended by various stakeholders.
He emphasized the importance of tackling the issue head-on, stating that the government will push for stronger enforcement, policy reforms, and stricter measures to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
The meeting also discussed, among other things, the far-reaching implications of counterfeit goods on the economy, health, and security.
“This is not a situation we can accept as normal. It is time for all of us to take a firm stand and deliver a serious blow to the counterfeit trade. This dialogue must lead to real solutions, it cannot end just as discussions,” Ndlovu said.
Counterfeit products are fake or imitation goods made to resemble authentic products, often with inferior materials, posing serious health and safety risks to consumers.
The government recently launched a nationwide crackdown on smuggled goods and counterfeits, seizing over US$2 million worth of illegal, fake and sub-standard products.
Counterfeit goods, including fake fertilizer, seeds, chemicals, and vehicle parts, have flooded the market, posing significant risks to the health and safety of citizens.
“These illegal traders evade taxes, robbing the government of revenue,” Ndlovu noted.
Unregistered pharmacies and backyard manufacturers have also been found to be prescribing unverified medicine, posing significant health risks to consumers.
The police have also weighed in on the issue, with spokesperson Paul Nyathi suggesting the need for increased technical expertise in identifying counterfeit products and closing gaps in the law to prevent the proliferation of fake goods.
He emphasized the need for capacity building to enable citizens to identify counterfeit products. “(City) council officials and police should receive training to identify counterfeit goods during their (raid) rounds,” he said.
The government has also been urged to enforce existing laws and review them to adapt to the current economy. The need for stiffer penalties for offenders was also highlighted, citing an incident where a person caught with counterfeit goods worth $2 million was fined a mere $30.
“I’m happy to report that the Minister has spoken about taking action against night vending. We are waiting for what you are going to do. Certainly we will support you, because night vending is also contributing to the use, the sale of counterfeit products.
“People are dying, we will not have youth tomorrow. And in the process,
some of these counterfeit products, they are being used through substances linked to drugs.”
“People must go to jail, they must not pay a fine. They must go to jail against all odds so that we can settle things,” Nyathi said.
New Ziana
