HARARE, Aug. 30 (NewsDay Live) — A Harare woman has been arrested after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) allegedly uncovered an operation in which sugar was repackaged into bags bearing counterfeit Tongaat Hulett labels.
Spiwe Mutandwa was arrested following a raid at a house in Southlea Park on Saturday evening, where investigators allegedly found a truck carrying more than 3,600 kilograms of sugar packed in 2kg bags bearing counterfeit Tongaat Hulett branding.
A scale and other equipment allegedly used in the repackaging operation were also recovered.
ZACC said the truck, sugar consignment and packaging equipment had been seized and would be used as exhibits in the case.
Mutandwa is facing charges of fraud and contravening the prohibition against forging registered trademarks under Section 84(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act [Chapter 26:04].
She is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Sunday.
The arrest has raised concerns over the potential risks posed by counterfeit packaging of consumable products, particularly where consumers may believe they are buying products from established manufacturers.
ZACC warned people against repackaging consumable products in counterfeit branded packaging and selling them as genuine goods.
The anti-graft body also urged consumers to buy from registered retailers and carefully inspect packaging for signs of tampering, spelling errors and properly sealed bags.
The commission said consumers should exercise caution when purchasing packaged goods to avoid falling victim to counterfeit products.
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