News / National
Fined for selling unregistered prescription drugs
5 hrs ago | Views
A 24-year-old man from Mutare, Brendon Leeroy Munyama, has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment for selling unregistered medicines, but was given the option to pay a fine of US$240 to avoid jail time.
Munyama pleaded guilty to contravening Section 29 (1) (a) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03), which prohibits the sale of unregistered medicines in Zimbabwe.
The case arose following a police tip-off on April 30, which led officers to Bumloy Shop in St Joseph's Park, Mutare, where Munyama was found selling unregistered medications. Among the seized items were 88 tablets of AliviaDor paracetamol (500mg), 20 units of Betasol crème containing hydroquinone (15g each), and 16 units of Epidem crème (15g each).
During the court hearing, Munyama claimed he was merely an employee and unaware that selling unregistered medicines was a criminal offence. He explained that the medicines were supplied by his employer, who is based in South Africa and uses a delivery agency for distribution. Munyama attributed his ignorance of the law to his rural upbringing, having been raised by his grandmother before moving to Mutare for work.
Magistrate Mr. Mubvumbi expressed concern over the sale of such medicines in a grocery shop, rather than a licensed pharmacy, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no defense. "It is common knowledge in Zimbabwe that only hospitals and registered pharmacies are allowed to supply medicines. Therefore, I am going to punish you for your ignorance," he said.
Despite this, the magistrate handed down a lenient sentence, taking into account Munyama's age and status as a first-time offender, allowing him the option to pay the fine to avoid imprisonment.
Munyama pleaded guilty to contravening Section 29 (1) (a) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03), which prohibits the sale of unregistered medicines in Zimbabwe.
The case arose following a police tip-off on April 30, which led officers to Bumloy Shop in St Joseph's Park, Mutare, where Munyama was found selling unregistered medications. Among the seized items were 88 tablets of AliviaDor paracetamol (500mg), 20 units of Betasol crème containing hydroquinone (15g each), and 16 units of Epidem crème (15g each).
During the court hearing, Munyama claimed he was merely an employee and unaware that selling unregistered medicines was a criminal offence. He explained that the medicines were supplied by his employer, who is based in South Africa and uses a delivery agency for distribution. Munyama attributed his ignorance of the law to his rural upbringing, having been raised by his grandmother before moving to Mutare for work.
Magistrate Mr. Mubvumbi expressed concern over the sale of such medicines in a grocery shop, rather than a licensed pharmacy, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no defense. "It is common knowledge in Zimbabwe that only hospitals and registered pharmacies are allowed to supply medicines. Therefore, I am going to punish you for your ignorance," he said.
Despite this, the magistrate handed down a lenient sentence, taking into account Munyama's age and status as a first-time offender, allowing him the option to pay the fine to avoid imprisonment.
Source - zimpapers
