419 Businesses Prosecuted in Smuggling Crackdown

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with other government agencies has intensified a nationwide crackdown on smuggling and unfair business practices to protect consumers and promote fair trade.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu said inspections are being conducted across the country to ensure businesses comply with the law.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in combating business malpractice to protect consumers and promote fair trade,” he said.

The campaign targets offenders engaged in selling counterfeit products, delivering underweight goods, imposing multi-tier pricing systems, or using inadequate labelling.

“Offenders who exploit consumers through unfair practices are being prosecuted,” Minister Ndhlovu said, warning that violations of the Consumer Protection Act (2019) will not be tolerated.

Since the start of the operation, 3,779 businesses have been inspected, with 419 prosecutions finalised. A total of 402 compliance notices were issued, and 4,816 units of substandard products seized.

“These statistics show our seriousness in protecting consumers and ensuring that businesses adhere to fair and ethical practices,” the minister said.

The Ministry has pledged to continue awareness and enforcement campaigns in all provinces until full compliance is achieved.

“We will continue until every business entity is operating within the confines of the law,” Minister Ndhlovu said.

These efforts form part of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan 2024–2025, which aims to protect consumers, improve product quality, and enhance service delivery.

“We are here to serve and promote inclusive, transformational industrial and commercial growth—leaving no one and no place behind,” Minister Ndhlovu added.