Pharmacies Closed Over Illegal Operations

Rutendo Mazhindu—ZimNow Reporter

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has cancelled the licenses of several pharmacies and individuals across the country for serious drug offenses, including the sale of unregistered medicines, operating without supervision, and purchasing from unauthorized suppliers.

The sanctions were announced in Circular 9 of 2025, dated April 7 and signed by MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata. The affected parties are barred from operating until a date that falls between July 2025 and June 2026, depending on the severity of the violations.

In Harare, Ultimate Deal Investments Pvt Ltd., trading as Ultimate Pharmacy in Glen Norah, was found selling unregistered medicines and operating without continuous personal supervision. Its license is suspended until July 2025. Mrs. Memory Mukamuri, associated with the same pharmacy, also lost her personal license for similar violations.

In Kuwadzana Phase 3, Mr. Geoffrey Kudakwashe Guwakuwu’s license was cancelled until July 2025 for multiple breaches, including unsupervised operations, selling unregistered drugs, sourcing from illegal suppliers, poor record keeping, and dispensing prescription drugs without valid prescriptions.

Milton Park-based Lordwell International had its pharmacy license revoked until June 2026 for purchasing drugs from unapproved suppliers and selling expired medicines. Mr. Silas Chakurira, also of 58 Palmer Road, lost his personal license for similar offenses.

In Kwekwe, Medserve Pharmacy, operated by Natuda Incorporation Pvt Ltd, was penalized for persistent lack of supervision, dispensing prescription drugs without documentation, and operating without a wholesale permit. Its license is suspended until July 2025. Mr. Kudzai Mandizvidza, linked to the pharmacy, also lost his personal license for unlawful dispensing and poor record keeping.

In Gweru, Mr. Paul Chikuni of House No. 3204 had his license canceled for handling and dispensing restricted medicines without authorization.

In Zvishavane, Dynamic Pharmacy under Jonathan Maravanyika had its license canceled until July 2025 for repeat offenses, including the sale of unregistered drugs and poor patient documentation.

“These cancellations are necessary to protect the public from harmful or ineffective medicines,” said Rukwata. “We urge all pharmacies to comply with the law and prioritize patient safety above profits. This is a matter of public health.”

MCAZ said the affected pharmacies and individuals can only reapply for licenses after the expiry of their penalty periods and upon meeting all regulatory requirements.

Rukwata warned that the sector is under close watch: “Those who break the law will be held accountable. The safety of Zimbabweans is our priority.”

MCAZ also urged the public to report suspicious pharmacy activities and to always buy medicines from authorized, licensed facilities.