By Chosomo Sezi
Police in Mzimba have detained a 21-year-old Daniel Phiri for allegedly selling counterfeit cooking oil made from fruit juice and water at Mzimba boma.
The suspect holding counterfeit cooking oil PIC Courtesy of Mzimba Police
Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Mzimba Police Station, Constable Maria Banda, confirmed that Phiri's scheme was exposed on September 5, 2024, when victim Wezzie Tembo reported the fraud where she bought fruit juice and water as cooking oil.
The PRO said following the reportage, the police officers swiftly intervened and conducted a patrol that led to the arrest of the suspect and shut down his illegal operation.
Banda stated that Phiri admitted to running the fake cooking oil scam for two weeks, enticing customers with lower prices, such as K15,000 for a 5-litre bottle, compared to the market rate of over K20,000 at local shops.
“As Mzimba Police Station, we advise the public to exercise caution when making purchases, especially from mobile vendors without permanent shops, to avoid falling victim to similar scams and protect their finances,” Banda said.
She also emphasized the station’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities and affirmed that they will continue to take strong action against offenders, as demonstrated by their recent successful prosecution of notorious robbers now serving prison sentences.
Banda said the suspect will soon appear in court to face charges of selling counterfeit products.
Daniel Phiri hails from Chanthomba village, Traditional Authority M'mbelwa in Mzimba district.
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