A Spar supermarket supervisor in Harare, Panashe Takavarasha (37), recently appeared before Magistrate Caroline Matanga facing charges of violating the Reserve Bank Act.
He is accused of refusing to accept Zimbabwean gold (ZiG) currency from two customers, Precious Gracia Ngwenya and Sydney Chatora, as payment for bread.
The incident allegedly occurred on June 16th, 2024, around 3 PM. According to reports, Chatora attempted to purchase a loaf of bread using ZiG notes at the Spar located at Market Square.
However, he was allegedly informed by Takavarasha that the store only accepts US dollars for bread purchases and would not accept ZiG currency.
Despite Chatora’s pleas, Takavarasha reportedly insisted on the policy and refused the ZiG payment.
Feeling frustrated, Chatora left the store and reported the incident to the Market Square Police Post, leading to Takavarasha’s arrest.
Following the recent incident at a Spar supermarket in Harare where an employee was accused of refusing ZiG currency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has urged the public to seek clarification if businesses claim not to accept ZiG.
The RBZ emphasizes that ZiG is legal tender and should be accepted for all transactions within Zimbabwe.
While Zimbabwe introduced ZiG currency to address cash shortages, some businesses reportedly prefer USD transactions. This preference could be linked to the ongoing cash shortages in the country.
Experts suggest the RBZ needs to increase ZiG circulation and promote its use to stabilize the economy.
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