the prices of TV’s, Fridges, Deep Freezers and a number
of
other products ranging from a 30 tonne load of Elangeni soap bars
imported
from South Africa to school books and baked beans! It was bizarre sight
as
hundreds tried to get into the Store and tried to buy these bargains.
By 15.00 hours the place was almost cleaned out. The loss must run to
many
billions of dollars. Staff talked to me and said disconsolately, “this
is
looting, they have destroyed our company” and several said they
expected to
lose their jobs. “How can we restock our store under such
circumstances?”
they asked. The Elangeni incident was especially revealing as there is
no
price control on imported goods. The product was selling for a third of
its
landed cost.
I walked out with nothing – I refuse to participate in such looting of
legitimate business.
Eddie Cross
Bulawayo, 12th July 2007
Post published in: News