Expired Goods And No Refunds: Zimbabwe Prosecutes Over 2,000 Businesses For Exploiting Customers

Zimbabwe Cracks Down: 2,271 Businesses In Court For Consumer Abuse

A major crackdown has seen more than two thousand businesses dragged before the courts for exploiting Zimbabwean consumers. The staggering number of prosecutions follows an extensive inspection campaign by authorities determined to clamp down on unfair trade practices.

The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has been at the forefront of this nationwide effort. Their inspections have uncovered a litany of violations that have left ordinary shoppers out of pocket and at risk.

The Staggering Scale Of The Crackdown

Official figures reveal the sheer extent of the regulatory action taken throughout last year. CPC research and public affairs director, Kudakwashe Mudereri, provided a detailed breakdown of the commission’s work.

He told The Herald:

“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.”

The commission’s efforts have been widespread, with officers deployed across all of the country’s ten provinces. Mudereri confirmed that the commission participated in a national task force specifically targeting smuggling and business malpractices.

Expired Goods And “No Refund” Signs Land Traders In Court

The offences leading to these prosecutions are those that directly impact the daily lives of consumers. Authorities are targeting practices that have long been a source of frustration for the public.

Mudereri outlined the most common offences, saying:

“The main offences include selling expired products, putting disclaimer clauses such as No Returns, No refunds and No Exchange, not displaying prices, selling substandard or counterfeit products, among other offences.”

The sale of expired goods, particularly in regions like Masvingo, has resulted in several ongoing court cases. The CPC is also actively pursuing businesses that refuse to give refunds, an act that is now a specific offence under the country’s consumer law.

A Promise Of More Action And Public Education

Looking to the future, the commission has signalled that this enforcement drive is not a one-off event. The aim is to create a lasting change in the marketplace by holding businesses accountable and empowering consumers.

Mudereri explained the strategy, noting:

“Looking ahead, this year, we anticipate enhanced measures to combat consumer fraud and improve business accountability. Our initiatives include increased consumer education.”

The CPC plans to expand its outreach programmes to inform all citizens, including those in rural areas and marginalised groups, about their rights. The commission remains dedicated to fostering a fair marketplace through collaboration with various organisations and a whole-of-Government approach.