Zimbabwe is looking to combat robbery with the use of swipe machines

These transaction devices are very effective against potential theft in the Southern African country. As a result, the Consumer Protection Commission has launched a campaign against businesses refusing to use POS machines.

The Consumer Protection Commission as reported by the Zimbanbwean publication Bulawayo24 news has initiated an enforcement blitz against companies who refuse to accept Point-of-Sale (POS) machine transactions, forcing all businesses to use electronic payment methods.

“To protect consumers from unfair business practices, the Consumer Protection Commission is carrying out an enforcement blitz, starting with the fuel retail industry where several service stations have been found wanting and issued with compliance notices in line with Section 68 of the Consumer Protection Act,” the commission said.

Furthermore POS devices allow consumers to pay with cards connected to both Zimbabwean dollars (ZiG) and US dollars, giving them the option to choose their preferred currency at checkout.

The commission underlined the prevalent violations by revealing that 80% of the 27 service stations examined did not have the required device. All industries will now be subject to the blitz in order to ensure complete compliance with the new law.

Businesses are no longer allowed to engage in unfair trade practices, such as denying customers the choice of how to pay for products and services, under the Consumer Protection Act.

The Finance Act Number One of 2018 stipulates that all businesses provide the equipment that enable electronic payments, such as point-of-sale (POS) machines and mobile payment systems.

“CZR implores all shops to comply with regulatory and statutory obligations, including the installation of POS machines for the convenience of the public,” said Mr. Mutashu, the head of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), who backed the initiative, instructed that the law be upheld by formal and informal businesses.

“It is illegal to deny a consumer access to swipe or pay via mobile platforms in local currency,” he added.

The commission provided hotline numbers to urge and aid the public in reporting companies who do not allow customers to use these swipe machines for transactions.