By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE – ZESA Enterprises [ZENT] is facing allegations of corporate fraud after workers claimed management led by managing director Engineer Godfrey Mugaviri instructed the false labeling of Chinese-manufactured products as locally made.
Employees alleged that imported goods from China were tagged “Manufactured by ZENT” before entering the local market, according to a letter of complaint seen by Express Mail Zim.
The letter was copied to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission [ZACC], the Office of the President and Cabinet [OPC] and the Zimbabwe Energy Workers Union [ZEWU] and it accused ZENT managing director Engineer Godfrey Mugaviri of poor management, intimidation and abuse of office.
Industry analysts said false country-of-origin labeling undermines local manufacturers, deceives consumers and distorts competition in the domestic market.
“This practice may have implications for the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority [ZIMRA] as misdeclared origin can affect import duty assessments and compliance with import regulations. False declarations risk revenue loss to the fiscus,” said an industry player who requested anonymity.
ZENT management and Mugaviri had not responded to requests for comment by time of publication. ZACC could not immediately confirm receipt of the complaint.
