The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has noted with concern the increasing number of reports and complaints regarding the conduct by some traders who are receiving prepayment for goods, especially building materials such as iron sheets, when they are well aware that they do not have the goods in stock or capacity to supply within the shortest time possible. Consumers are, consequently, made to wait for months without the goods being delivered thus affecting their construction schedules.
CFTC has in the past six months been receiving complaints from consumers regarding the conduct, CFTC would like to request consumers to be on the lookout for such traders.
While we are investigating these cases and have resolved others, the CFTC would like to warn traders of building materials and other products that such malpractice is unconscionable and, therefore, a violation of section 43 (1)(g) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA). CFTC will not hesitate to take to task anyone found engaging in this malpractice.
CFTC is once again encouraging the general public to be very proactive in reporting any possible violations including the above mentioned malpractices through the following:
- Toll Free Line 2489
- Whatsapp +265987 738 749
For media enquiries on this statement, contact Innocent Helema on +265 880 725 075 or email innocent.helema@cftc.mw.
Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR