Two men have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of selling counterfeit engine oil after the fake product was linked to serious vehicle damage, including engine failures.
Tatenda Ngirandi, 43, of Seke in Chitungwiza, and Uniko Mutizira, 29, of Budiriro, are accused of selling engine oil bearing a forged registered trademark.
The case, brought by the State, arises from events that unfolded in May 2025. The complainant, Norman Kahomba, a director at Sun Blast Engineering, told the court that Ngirandi was introduced to him through a mutual acquaintance as a supplier of engine oil.
Trusting the referral, the complainant placed an initial order for three 208-litre drums at US$480 each. After being satisfied with the first delivery, he continued purchasing and using the oil both for his company’s operations and for clients at his workshop.
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However, complaints soon emerged from clients whose vehicles began experiencing serious performance problems, with some suffering complete engine failure.
Suspecting the oil was defective, the complainant carried out internal checks and later submitted samples for laboratory testing. The results confirmed that the engine oil was counterfeit.
The complainant then set a trap and arranged another delivery. When Ngirandi arrived with Mutizira and three additional 208-litre drums, the two were arrested by police.
The counterfeit oil was seized as evidence. The accused are facing charges related to selling goods bearing a forged trademark, with prosecutors alleging their actions caused significant financial losses and damage to vehicles.
The matter is continuing before the courts.
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