ICCC expects to make more arrests, warns shops to adhere to regulations

By PETER ESILA
THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is expected to make more arrests soon following warnings issued to shops over increases in the price of goods.
Commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain yesterday told The National that now that the state of emergency (SOE) had been extended to another two months, the ICCC was expecting new regulations from the SOE controller, Police Comm David Manning.
“We are expecting some arrests, it will be carried out once we get our regulations from the SOE controller,” Ain said
He reminded shop owners that the price control was implemented throughout the country.
He advised all consumers to report to the ICCC any shops or business houses who had increased their prices and were practicing price gouging on certain goods and services which had been declared in a national gazettal.
Ain said price gouging was an unfair market practice which was not in the interest of consumers.
“All shop owners have a moral responsibility towards their consumers during this state of emergency,” he said.
The public can call the toll free number 180 3333 and also check the ICCC Facebook page to register complaints.
Ain urged the public to report any instances of price increases for basic goods to ICCC and be able to provide evidence by way of picture or purchase receipt.
“The important thing is that you send in evidence,” he said.
“The ICCC is going to closely work with the police to ensure that consumers nationwide are protected during this time.”
He said with capacity issues, the ICCC could not be everywhere, so police especially in other centres would take on that responsibility.