• This follows a joint operation conducted by ZCSA in collaboration with DEC, and others.
• The suspects have been packaging water in unsanitary conditions, thereby posing a risk to the safety of consumers.
• A search resulted in the seizure of 1, 610 cases of Royal Sachet Water, 955 cases of Royal Kumbucha Fermented Tea.

Law Enforcement Agencies have apprehended five people from Precision Royal Beverages in Lusaka for illegal production and supply of beverages, packaged water, and immigration-related offences.

This follows a joint operation conducted by Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) in collaboration with Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Immigration Department, National Anti-Terrorism Centre (NAC), and Zambia Police.

According to a joint statement issued by ZCSA Public Relations Officer, Onishias Maamba, and DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga, the suspects have been packaging water in unsanitary conditions, thereby posing a risk to the safety of consumers.

Mr. Maamba and Mr. Mulenga explained that during the operation, a thorough search was done, which resulted in the seizure of 1, 610 cases of Royal Sachet Water, 955 cases of Royal Kumbucha Fermented Tea, 349 cases of Royal Kumbucha, and 48 cases of Royal Ginger Wine.

“Precision Royal Beverages was engaged in the production and supply of packaged water and other beverages without a permit from ZCSA and was devoid of the requisite minimum parameters for production, which is contrary to the provisions of the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017.”

“The suspects have been identified as Derrick Mukwemba, a male aged 36 years, a Finance and Administration Officer at Precision Royal Beverages Ltd, a male Ugandan National aged 38 years, Geoffrey Kayemba, a male Ugandan National aged 51 years, Mediotrice Habonimana, a female Burundian aged 24 years, and Sameal Tusubire Mwanza, a male Ugandan national aged 52, with a Zambian National Registration card,” they said.

The duo said the suspects, who reside within the premises of the company building in Barlastone, off Mungwi Road in Lusaka West, have been operating without a license as required by the Compulsory Standards Act.

“The joint investigations team has since put Derrick Mukwemba in custody to help with the investigations, and he is likely to face charges, among them tax evasion and money laundering-related offences.”

“In addition, three vehicles, among them a Benz truck bearing registration number BAJ 2101, a light truck canter bearing registration number BLA 7521, and a small Mitsubishi bus bearing registration number BAD 6239, have been seized,” Mr. Maamba and Mr. Mulenga added.

They have urged citizens to be vigilant about the products they consume and alert authorities if there are any suspicious activities in their communities, as they are key partners in curbing illegal activities.

“This operation highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between ZCSA, DEC, and other law enforcement agencies to safeguard the health and safety of Zambian citizens. Consumers can be confident that authorities are vigilant in ensuring products meet safety standards and that those who violate regulations will be held accountable,” they said.

Regulations guiding packaged water are covered by the Compulsory Standard ZS 388: Bottled Water Specification, which prescribes minimum standards for manufacturing, production, packaging and storage of water meant for human consumption.

This standard is enforced by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency as part of the mandate of enforcing compulsory standards for the purposes of preserving public health and safety and protecting the consumer and the environment.