Counterfeit Huletts Sugar Worth US$14,658 Seized in Kwekwe Sting Operation

Kwekwe Truck Intercepted With Nearly 700 Bags of Fake Sugar; Four People Arrested

Four suspects have appeared in the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court after detectives intercepted a truck carrying counterfeit Huletts sugar valued at US$14,658.

The group was arrested on 3 December 2025 following a tip-off that fake sugar was being delivered to Machingura Wholesale in the Kwekwe Industrial area.

Detectives swiftly acted on the information and intercepted a white and maroon DAF CF truck loaded with 698 x 20kg bags of suspected counterfeit sugar.

Also Read: Harare Business Fined for Selling Fake Pearlenta Maize Meal

Identity of the Accused and Charges

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the suspects — Devine Manzisano (19), Ashten Rwodzi (40), Rebecca Hando (31), and Kudzaishe Karimatsanga (18) — face charges under the Trade Marks Act for unlawfully dealing in goods bearing a registered trademark without authorization.

A Loss Control Officer from Tongaat Huletts inspected the recovered consignment and confirmed it was counterfeit. Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused had no authority whatsoever from Huletts Private Limited to produce or distribute the sugar.

Also Read: Why The Mbare Seed Scam Works: Farmers Don’t Know The Actual Prices Of Genuine Seed In Zimbabwe

Suspects Remanded as Investigations Continue

The group, all residents of Waterfalls and Chitungwiza, was arrested on the spot, and the counterfeit goods were seized. They appeared before Magistrate and were remanded to 19 December 2025 for setdown as further investigations continue.

Authorities Probe Wider Network

Investigators are now working to track down the broader network behind the scam, amid growing concerns over the rise in counterfeit food products circulating in the country.

The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit trade, stating that such criminal activities undermine consumer safety and legitimate businesses.

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