Story by Peter Chivhima
HUGE quantities of counterfeit, substandard, and underweight goods confiscated by the Anti-Smuggling Taskforce have been destroyed at the Geo Pomona Waste Management site in Harare this Tuesday.
The destruction of these goods is part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from the dangers posed by smuggled and illegal products that fail to meet required standards.
Witnessing the destruction of the confiscated goods, Consumer Protection Commission Director, Mr. Kudakwashe Mudereri expressed concern over the growing number of counterfeit and underweight products infiltrating the informal markets in Harare.
“We have seen a sudden proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products, expired goods, and underweight products flooding the market. This operation was conducted to safeguard our consumers.
“Many of these products pose serious health risks. We have partnered with Geo Pomona to ensure that all products failing to meet required standards are destroyed so they do not pose a danger to consumers. We are grateful to Geo Pomona for their support in this initiative,” said Consumer Protection Commission public relations director, Mr Kudakwashe Mudereri.
Harare Metropolitan Province’s Anti-Smuggling Taskforce Coordinator, Mr Tawedzera Muwani emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of confiscated goods.
“This is just the beginning. We want to demonstrate evidence and transparency that smuggled and illegal goods, including those that are substandard or short-weight, will be destroyed. We do not take them home, and we do not allow them to re-enter the market.
“This exercise is a demonstration of what’s to come. We extend our gratitude to all the government entities we’ve worked with including the City of Harare, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, CPC, and ZRP for their efforts in this endeavour. By destroying these goods, we show our commitment to eradicating illegal and substandard products from the market,” he said.
