CZR: Hunt Down Conduits of Counterfeit Products

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has called on the government to urgently dismantle syndicates behind the smuggling and distribution of counterfeit products into the country.

CZR President Dr Denford Mutashu commended the ongoing national blitz targeting retailers found selling fake goods to unsuspecting consumers.

Over the past month, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Commission, Trade Measures Department, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has conducted raids across six provinces, confiscating large quantities of counterfeit consumer goods.

Some of the seized products include mealie meal, soft drinks, herbicides, biscuits, and toiletries.

Dr. Mutashu said the nationwide operation reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting public health and consumer rights.

“We further urge authorities to go beyond retailers and wholesalers and intensify investigations into the sources of these counterfeit products.
This includes targeting manufacturers, backyard operations, import syndicates, and suppliers who are deliberately flooding the market for profit at the expense of consumer welfare,” he said.

Dr. Mutashu also warned that any retailer, wholesaler, or distributor found selling or assisting in the distribution of counterfeit goods should be held accountable under the law.

“Ignorance is not a defence. Retailers and wholesalers have both a legal and ethical responsibility to verify the authenticity and quality of the products they sell.
Failing to do so is not just negligent it is a reckless threat to public health and safety,” he added.

He further emphasised that CZR will continue to collaborate with government agencies, consumer watchdogs, and law enforcement bodies to promote ethical business conduct, uphold brand integrity, and reinforce consumer confidence in Zimbabwe’s retail sector.

Speaking to Hurumende News, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu confirmed that more than 600 businesses are currently under prosecution in connection with the sale of counterfeit goods.

“The Commission has deployed teams to Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West to investigate the sale of counterfeit products between 27 July and 3 August 2025,” he said.

So far, the blitz has been completed in Harare, Bulawayo, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, and Matabeleland North provinces.