In a recent operation targeting the sale of counterfeit products in Harare, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has uncovered a large stash of fake vehicle maintenance products.
ZRP National spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation focused on shops along Harare’s Harare Street in the Central Business District (CBD), which have been implicated in selling substandard car parts that pose a danger to public safety.
He said the counterfeit products, which include fake brake fluid and silicone materials for vehicle repairs, have been sold to unsuspecting vehicle owners.
These products, which do not meet safety standards, have resulted in serious concerns regarding the integrity of vehicles on the road. Nyathi warned that such counterfeit products compromise vehicle safety, with defective brake fluid contributing to brake failures and potentially causing accidents. He also raised alarm over the broader implications, noting that these defective materials affect not just vehicles but also the country’s security.
Nyathi stated that the owners of these foreign-owned shops, employing local management teams, have been operating without adhering to laws governing vehicle repairs and product safety. “The law will take its course without fear or favor,” he emphasized, urging businesses to comply with regulations and ensure that only genuine products are sold in the country.
The ZRP has recovered nearly 26,000 units of fake products, including electrical components and silicone materials. Authorities are now urging the public to report any individuals or businesses involved in the sale of counterfeit products. Nyathi also advised vehicle owners to be vigilant when purchasing vehicle maintenance products, warning them to avoid dealing with unverified vendors that sell these hazardous goods.
