Curb the counterfeits - 22 Feb 2010

It appears that Zimbabwe has not seen the last of its woes with counterfeit products making the lives of manufacturers and business communities troublesome. These illegally produced products are finding their way into unsuspecting consumers' homes and one has to have an eagle eye to spot the difference. These "entrepreneurs" are making a living unethically, from established companies who have found their place in the Zimbabwean market and it is highly unfair - the only way to win that war is for consumers to take the initiative and not support these criminals. The country's legal system may have its flaws when it comes to media and press freedom, but it has a tight grip on piracy, sentencing a man to four years in prison for distributing counterfeit products.

If only the same strict measures could be applied to the film and music industries where piracy remains rampant across Africa and somehow has become the norm. It is important to protect copyright and everyone, including the public, should make a concerted effort to help eliminate or at least curb the crime.