Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said that the government has stepped up efforts this upcoming festive season to combat smuggling and the trade in counterfeit products, which pose risks to public health and the economy.
Ndlovu admitted the influx of illegally imported goods, such as baby formula, detergents, and harmful substances, has been a long-standing issue.
However, he stated that the government has implemented measures to safeguard the public from potential harm while supporting the local manufacturing sector.
These measures include the deployment of personnel to marketplaces and border points to intercept and eliminate smuggled and counterfeit products. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
We want to ensure that smuggled and counterfeit goods do not enter Zimbabwe this December. Our goal is to protect consumers from potential violations during this period.
We have declared war on counterfeit goods and are strengthening our institutions to tackle this issue effectively.
This will significantly reduce the influx of counterfeit and substandard products, which are particularly prevalent during this season.
</blockquote>
The increase in smuggled goods on the local market is primarily fueled by porous borders and high demand for cheaper alternatives.
Areas like Mbare and downtown Harare have been identified as hotspots where unscrupulous traders repackage substandard products to deceive consumers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The government of Zimbabwe is working hard to stop people from bringing in fake and bad food and other things from other countries. They want to keep people safe and help local businesses. They are sending people to places where these fake things are sold to stop them from being sold. They are also making sure everyone knows that these things are not good for them. People are bringing in fake things because it's cheaper, but the government wants to stop this. They are focusing on places like Mbare and downtown Harare where people sell fake things to trick others.

Zimbabwe "Declares War" On Smuggled, Counterfeit Groceries Ahead Of Christmas

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has impounded a bus carrying smuggled goods from neighbouring South Africa.
Police in Bulawayo recovered beds, refrigerators, vehicle engines, washing machines, doors, door frames and other groceries from a bus along Khami Road on Thursday.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the recovery of the goods whose worth is yet to be determined. Said Inspector Ncube:
<blockquote>
Bulawayo Central traffic motorised patrol team was patrolling in the city on Thursday at around 4 PM when they spotted a bus pulling a large trailer with goods loaded on top of the trailer. The police officers drove towards the bus and then asked the driver to stop so that they could check if everything was in order and the bus driver ignored and continued driving along Khami Road.
</blockquote>
He said police had to block the bus driver’s way at the Khami flyover forcing him to stop.
Inspector said the bus was then driven to Zimra depot where they discovered that the driver was in possession of smuggled goods.
He said the smuggled goods that were taken by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) include a Ford Ranger engine, four new Samsung fridges, two bales of clothes weighing 90kgs each, four Defy fridges. 
They also recovered 11 radios, beds, six doors and six window frames, 10 new landline headsets, paint and groceries.
Ncube added that investigations are underway and that Zimra had impounded the bus.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-police-impound-bus-with-smuggled-goods-from-south-africa/">The Chronicle</a>

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