On 29th April, 2024, the Secretariat of the Commission commenced investigations against AfriPlus Steel Limited Company for allegedly engaging in misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct in the supply building materials.
The investigation was instituted following complaints from 15 individuals who alleged that the Respondents had been receiving payments for building materials such as iron sheets, when they were well aware that they did not have the goods in stock or capacity to supply within the prescribed periods. The transactions for the 15 complainants totaled MK42.16million.
The Commission established that by accepting payment with no intention of supplying the products, the conduct by the Respondents is deceptive, harsh, and unethical, and in contravention of Section (1)(d) of the CFTA.
The Commission noted that the Respondents did not cooperate with the Commission during the investigations. According to the Commission, the Respondents’ conduct undermined the Commission’s authority, and contravened Section 50(b) of the CFTA.
Upon deliberation, the Commission made the following determinations:
- Referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to institute criminal proceedings against the Respondents for engaging in misleading and unconscionable conduct in the trade of goods and for failing to furnish the Commission with information when requested.
- Ordered the Respondents to, within 30 days, refund all the Complainants who paid for the iron sheets, but were not supplied.