Smuggled Tsunami Ointment Faces Government Crackdown
A major health alert has been issued targeting a popular green ointment found across the nation. Both the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and top health experts have warned the public against using the unregistered complementary medicine known as Tsunami. The authorities have vowed to seize the product and arrest anyone caught selling it.
The pungent ointment is smuggled into Zimbabwe with worrying ease and is ubiquitously available. Its producers claim it can treat a staggering eighteen different illnesses. These alleged uses range from abdominal pain and toothaches to nasal congestion, headaches, and muscle soreness.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning
The official stance from the medicines regulator is unequivocal. Davison Kaiyo, the Public Relations Officer for the MCAZ, spoke to the Daily News about the risks. He stated that the product has not undergone the mandatory approval process.
“The quality and safety of Tsunami is not guaranteed, as it lacks verified scientific data regarding its efficacy. The selling or advertising of Tsunami without it being approved constitutes a violation of the law, and the authorities will, therefore, not hesitate to seize the products and arrest the peddlers.”
This warning was echoed on social media by a senior government official on 13 October 2025. Nick Mangwana posted a direct caution to the public on X. He emphasised the product’s unlicensed status and potential dangers.
“WARNING: -Tsunami is not registered and not licensed for medical use. -Whatever is on the market is very likely a smuggled product. -The labels don’t indicate what’s in there. It may be toxic, who knows.”
Crackdown On Retailers Already Underway
This new warning follows concrete enforcement action from earlier in the year. On 29 July 2025, a leading retail chain, Bhola Hardware City, was fined US$300 (approximately R5,400) at the Harare Magistrates’ Court. The company was convicted for selling unapproved complementary medicines, including Tsunami, at its Harare outlet.
The conviction was a result of a sting operation by CID Drugs and Narcotics detectives. According to the State, officers conducted surveillance and then raided the Bhola Mega Market. During the raid, detectives recovered several bottles of Tsunami and tins of Essential Balm from tills and display cubicles. The company representative, Bhavik Kanttial Jassa, was arrested on the spot.
Public Reaction To The Ban Is Mixed
The announcement has sparked a significant and divided reaction from the public online. Many users on X have expressed strong support for the product, citing their personal experiences over many years.
User Mathew Ntuli stated simply:
“Tsunami works baba.”
Another user, Muzungu-weDande, claimed:
“Tsunami inorapa hayo makuru wani,”
(“Tsunami treats, it’s great indeed.”)
However, other social media users highlighted the contradiction of the crackdown. Darlington Gombingo posted a comment questioning the focus on the ointment when hospitals lack conventional medicines. He wrote:
“Kana tichit hatina mushonga muzvipatara imi muchitenga mota moti totadza kushandisa tsunami,”
(“When we go to hospitals there is no medicine, you are busy buying cars and then we are forbidden from using Tsunami.”)
Some users voiced concerns about the product’s safety in light of the official warning. Tawanda Mhembere seemed to acknowledge the authorities’ point in a mocking tone, writing:
“Haaaa murimadusvura evanhu Tsunami yatowa nemore than 12yrs tichiishandisa nhasi ndopamakuti haisi registered,”
(“Oh, you people are …………, we have been using Tsunami for more than 12 years and today you say it is not registered.”)
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