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ZACC seizes 3.6 tonnes of fake Huletts sugar
31 Aug 2026 at 17:25hrs |
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The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has seized 3.6 tonnes of sugar allegedly repackaged in counterfeit Tongaat Huletts bags and arrested a Harare woman in connection with the operation.
Spiwe Mutandwa was arrested on Saturday evening following a raid at a residential property in Southlea Park, Harare.
ZACC said its officers discovered a truck loaded with 2kg packs of sugar bearing counterfeit Huletts branding at the property.
A weighing scale and packaging equipment were also recovered during the operation.
"The truck, the sugar consignment, and the packaging equipment were seized and will be used as exhibits," ZACC said.
Mutandwa has been charged with fraud and contravening Section 84(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act (Chapter 26:04), relating to the forgery of registered trademarks.
She is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates' Court on August 31, 2026.
The seizure comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat counterfeit goods being sold across the country.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has also stepped up enforcement operations targeting counterfeit and substandard products.
CPC board chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko recently warned that counterfeiters were increasingly targeting established brands.
"Recent seizures of counterfeit Huletts sugar and Eversharp pens, as well as fake Nivea and Shield Sheen products, show that even well-known brands are being targeted by counterfeiters," she said.
Between January and July 2026, the CPC conducted 12,105 inspections, resulting in 1,615 prosecutions.
The sale of expired goods accounted for the highest number of cases, with 572 prosecutions, followed by failure to display prices, which resulted in 471 cases.
ZACC urged consumers to remain vigilant and purchase products only from registered retailers.
"The commission warns criminal-minded people against repackaging consumable products in fake-branded bags and selling them as genuine products," the commission said.
Consumers have also been advised to check products for tampering, spelling errors, irregular packaging and proper seals before making purchases.
Members of the public can report suspected counterfeit, expired or illegally repackaged goods to the Consumer Protection Commission on Econet 080 803 23 or NetOne 080 123 01.
The allegations against Mutandwa have not been tested in court, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Spiwe Mutandwa was arrested on Saturday evening following a raid at a residential property in Southlea Park, Harare.
ZACC said its officers discovered a truck loaded with 2kg packs of sugar bearing counterfeit Huletts branding at the property.
A weighing scale and packaging equipment were also recovered during the operation.
"The truck, the sugar consignment, and the packaging equipment were seized and will be used as exhibits," ZACC said.
Mutandwa has been charged with fraud and contravening Section 84(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act (Chapter 26:04), relating to the forgery of registered trademarks.
She is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates' Court on August 31, 2026.
The seizure comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat counterfeit goods being sold across the country.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has also stepped up enforcement operations targeting counterfeit and substandard products.
CPC board chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko recently warned that counterfeiters were increasingly targeting established brands.
"Recent seizures of counterfeit Huletts sugar and Eversharp pens, as well as fake Nivea and Shield Sheen products, show that even well-known brands are being targeted by counterfeiters," she said.
Between January and July 2026, the CPC conducted 12,105 inspections, resulting in 1,615 prosecutions.
The sale of expired goods accounted for the highest number of cases, with 572 prosecutions, followed by failure to display prices, which resulted in 471 cases.
ZACC urged consumers to remain vigilant and purchase products only from registered retailers.
"The commission warns criminal-minded people against repackaging consumable products in fake-branded bags and selling them as genuine products," the commission said.
Consumers have also been advised to check products for tampering, spelling errors, irregular packaging and proper seals before making purchases.
Members of the public can report suspected counterfeit, expired or illegally repackaged goods to the Consumer Protection Commission on Econet 080 803 23 or NetOne 080 123 01.
The allegations against Mutandwa have not been tested in court, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Source - The Herald
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