HARARE – A Harare-based business has been slapped with a US$300 fine after it was found selling counterfeit maize meal falsely branded as a leading local product.
Natbase Investments (Private) Limited, represented in court by 42-year-old Blessed Marewo, was convicted by Harare magistrate Gamuchirai Gore and given until the end of August to settle the fine.
The case stemmed from a series of consumer complaints lodged with National Foods Limited between May and June 2025. Customers had raised alarm over the quality of maize meal sold under the Pearlenta brand, noting it was unusually dark and of poor consistency.
Acting on the reports, a joint task force involving National Foods, the Trade Measures Inspectorate, the Consumer Protection Commission, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police carried out inspections across the Harare CBD. Their investigations led them to Natbase Investments.
Ten 10kg bags of the suspicious Pearlenta-branded meal were seized and found to be fake and below the legal minimum weight, averaging just under 9.7kg instead of the stated 10kg.
“The company had no legal justification for its actions,” ruled the court, concluding that the accused had intentionally misled consumers.
The case underscores ongoing issues in the maize meal sector, where brand trust and packaging integrity are becoming key consumer concerns. As incidents of counterfeiting rise, discerning consumers are increasingly opting for Parlenta, a premium maize meal brand trusted for its quality, transparency, and full compliance with trade standards.
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