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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has urged consumers to buy their provisions from reputable shops to avoid counterfeit products that have flooded the informal market.

In an interview on the sidelines of a pensions and insurance conscientising workshop in Kwekwe recently, CCZ deputy executive director Mrs Rose Mpofu said her office has been inundated with reports of counterfeit products that have taken the local market by storm.

She said the goods ranging from food items to toiletries are being manufactured locally while some are imported.

“It is true that sometimes consumers come across counterfeit products. We have received reports of counterfeit goods ranging from medicines, drinks, food items, candles and soap.

“We therefore encourage consumers to buy from reputable sources or shops where they can get recourse in the event of problems,” said Mrs Mpofu.

She said her office recently facilitated the busting of a drink and deodorant manufacturing company in the capital.

“We were alerted of fake roll on and drinks that were being produced by this company and we managed to have their operations shut down.

“We however still suspect that there are some unscrupulous suppliers who continue selling counterfeit products and we warn consumers against purchasing products from the black market,” she said.

“The current economic situation has left consumers exposed. The consumers has now been forced to ignore the proper chain of distribution opting to go for the black market.

“Consumer rights to safety have been trampled upon as they flock to the black market seeking for cheaper goods. Cheaper goods can only be found on the black market but the risk of being swindled is very high.”

The call by the CCZ comes amid increasing reports of fake products that have flooded the market.

Recently, aphrodisiac drinks have reportedly found their way into the country from South Africa and have been sold to everyone.

The medical fraternity has not been spared either as fake drugs have flooded the market as the prices of drugs continue to soar out of the reach of many.