The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has uncovered a scam involving a foreign-owned company operating in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD), which was selling counterfeit vehicle maintenance products, including fake brake fluid and silicone.
Authorities confiscated 26,000 units of the fake products during a raid on the company’s premises along Harare Street.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi described the discovery as a major threat to road safety, linking defective vehicle parts to the country’s high incidence of traffic accidents.
“We realised that these foreign companies are employing locals as part of their management team, and in the process, they are not following any laws regarding vehicle safety and repairs.
“They are offering unsuspecting vehicle owners fake products that compromise the lifespan of vehicle parts and ultimately lead to road accidents,” Nyathi said.
The proliferation of counterfeit products has heightened concerns over vehicle safety, prompting the government to intensify operations targeting illegal imports and smuggling.
“This is a national issue in terms of security. The country is grappling with road traffic accidents, and some of these are caused by defective vehicle parts like the fake brake fluid and silicone we have seen today,” Nyathi said.
The operation, spearheaded by the government in collaboration with various stakeholders, aims to crack down on businesses that disregard safety regulations.
Nyathi warned that the police will not hesitate to take action against those involved in the distribution of counterfeit goods.
“We want to send out a strong message to any businessperson or operator who tries to take advantage of the country by bringing in fake products—the law will take its course without fear or favor,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit vehicle products and to be vigilant when purchasing maintenance items.
“There is no going back on smuggling,” Nyathi said
