Source: 12 627 inspections and 2 271 businesses prosecuted in 2025 – herald
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) conducted over 12 000 inspections which resulted in over 2 000 prosecutions of errant businesses that were exploiting consumers in 2025.
This comes as Government continues to curb unfair business practices, as several violations continue to be uncovered that include the sale of counterfeit products and underweight goods among other things.
The rise of the informal sector has seen an increase in consumer complaints, particularly on social media, regarding businesses engaging in unscrupulous activities.
Responding to inquiries from this publication, CPC Research and Public Affairs Director, Mr Kudakwashe Mudereri said the main offences included selling of expired products and putting disclaimer clauses among others.
“As of the end of 2025, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) had done 12 627 inspections and prosecuted 2 271 businesses due to violating provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) Chapter [14:44].
“The main offences include selling of expired products, putting disclaimer clauses such as No Returns, No Refunds and No Exchange, no display of prices, selling substandard or counterfeit products, among other offences,” he said.
He said the Commission participating in the National Taskforce on anti-smuggling and business malpractices deployed its officers covering the country’s ten provinces.
Mr Mudereri said for current cases in January 2026, they were actively addressing several cases concerning errant businesses.“We have cases before the court where businesses are being prosecuted for refusing to give consumers refunds which is now an offence under Section 18, 34 and 42 of the Consumer Protection Act. Other cases pending before the courts are for businesses caught selling expired products in Masvingo,” he added.
“Looking ahead in 2026 this year, we anticipate enhanced measures to combat consumer fraud and improve business accountability. Our initiatives include increased consumer education.”
He said the Commission has expanded consumer awareness outreach programmes to inform the public (consumers) about their rights and how to report grievances.
Mr Mudereri said these programmes will target urban and rural areas, as well as the youth, elderly, marginalised groups and people living with disability.
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