The Confederations Of Zimbabwe Retailers has dismissed exemption letters in the public issued by CZR agents and said they were bogus and they did not originate from them, Newsday reports.
According to the body, there are people who are giving retailers in some parts of the country exemption letters to operate during the 21 days lockdown. The CZR said all letters of exemption come from the body and no official is authorised to give exemption letters outside the body.
CZR president Denford Mutashu in a statement said:
“The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) wishes to inform retailers and wholesalers that letters of exemption to operate during the 21-day lockdown pronounced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa are only issued by CZR through Ministry of Industry and Commerce. It has come to our attention that there
are unscrupulous elements purporting to be officials of CZR who have been duping retail players by promising to facilitate exemption letters on behalf of the confederation.The procedures include a retailer or wholesaler has to be offering essential services, has to have a valid trading licence, should get clearance from your local Zimbabwe Republic Police station, should abide by the government gazetted new operating hours. The letter from association is free to members and
non-members. The letter should strictly be used for the COVID-19 lockdown provision of essential
services only.The retailer must get a letter from Ministry of Industry and Commerce and CZR. It is critical to note that retailers should be wary of bogus CZR officers and for one to become a member of CZR, you are encouraged to visit our offices and make inquiries
More: Newsday