Back to Index

CCZ opens new claims courts
The Daily Mirror (Zimbabwe)
January 16, 2006

http://www.zimmirror.co.zw/daily/index.cfm?

THE Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), through its quarterly publication, Action Magazine, has urged consumers to take advantage of the consumers' small claims courts that have been introduced in various provinces in the country. "The CCZ strongly urges consumers to fully utilise these courts for their protection", said the CCZ.

The courts have been established in Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

Prior to their opening the courts were only available in Harare and Bulawayo.

The consumer watchdog noted with concern how the rights of buyers have been neglected in the current economic hardships and said this is the time when consumers need protection more than before.

"The current economic challenges have spawned increased exploitation of consumers, and more than ever before, consumers need more education to empower them and enhance their protection", said the CCZ.

The CCZ added that people who have dropped business ethics in order to generate huge sums of profits at the expense of desperate consumers worsened the situation.

"Many usually law abiding citizens abandoned working for an honest living and when an opportunity arises for them to make illicit income they grab it with both hands thinking less about their illegal actions on the consumer and the nation at large."

The consumer watchdog said it was quite aware of the gross violations of consumer rights by some unscrupulous business people and some heartless fellow consumers.

The CCZ recently urged retailers to desist from using disclaimer clauses in their outlets and warned them that they will risk being prosecuted if they continue to display such clauses.

Examples of disclaimer clauses include, 'Parcels left at owners' risk' and 'No refunds' among others.

The newly established courts cater for cases that have a value of up to $15 million and best serves the disadvantaged consumers who cannot afford to hire lawyers.

The amount is likely to be reviewed this year to match the ever-increasing cost of goods and services.

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP