Investigators seize 3,600kg of sugar with false packaging
Tongaat Hulett sugar
HARARE – A 34-year-old Harare woman appeared in court on Monday over an alleged counterfeit sugar operation in which she was repackaging sugar into fake 2kg Tongaat Hulett bags, a court heard on Monday.
Spiwe Mutandwa of Budiriro was charged with fraud after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) raided a house in Southlea Park and recovered 3,600 kilogrammes of sugar, counterfeit packaging and equipment believed to have been used in the operation.
Mutandwa was granted US$200 bail by Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the investigation began after ZACC received complaints that some sugar being sold in shops was underweight.
On August 29, ZACC allegedly received information that Mutandwa was repackaging sugar at a residence in Southlea Park.
Investigators conducted surveillance before raiding the premises later that day.
“During the operation, a Toyota Dyna truck was found parked at the premises,” the prosecution said.
“A search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the recovery of a consignment of sugar packed in 2kg bags bearing the Tongaat Hulett brand.”
The prosecution alleges the packaging was a replica of that ordinarily used by Tongaat Hulett for its sugar products.
A search of the premises allegedly uncovered empty 2kg bags bearing the Tongaat Hulett branding, as well as equipment including sealers, three blowers and a weighing scale.
The prosecution said the equipment was believed to have been used to repackage the sugar.
Mutandwa allegedly represented the repackaged sugar, whose source was not disclosed in court, as genuine Tongaat Hulett product without the company’s knowledge, authority or consent.
Prosecutors allege the operation was intended to deceive consumers about the sugar’s identity, origin, quantity and authenticity.
The alleged scheme also had the potential to cause financial prejudice to consumers and damage the reputation and goodwill associated with the Tongaat Hulett brand, the court heard.
Mutandwa is represented by lawyer Nicholas Chikono.
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