Chinese man busted over fake Bata shoes

By KALOBWE BWALYA MORE than 2,768 counterfeit pairs of Bata shoes worth 68,800 Kwacha have been confiscated from a Chinese firm Mengulai Company limited in Kamwala and Makeni Konga in Lusaka.

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said police through the Zambia police Intellectual property unit had an operation in which they seized counterfeit Bata shoes from a Chinese company owned by Tang Weihua, 42.

Ms Katongo said the suspect had since been arrested but was later released on police bond. He will appear in court today.

Ms Katongo said this was after police received a complaint from Zambia Bata Shoes Company limited who are the rightful holder of the Bata brand which is legally registered.

She said the suspect had been charged for making, import or having in possession of any label or representation of a trade mark resembling a trade mark likely to deceive contrary to section 5 (g)of the merchandise mark act Cap 405 0f the laws of Zambia.

The police have also warned the traders who are fond of deceiving the public by selling counterfeit products that they should desist forthwith from such vices before they are caught up by the Law.

“Sale of goods to which any trademark or a mark so resembling a trade mark as to be likely to deceive is falsely applied which is contrary to section 6(1) (b) of the merchandise marks Act Cap 405 of the Laws of Zambia.

“We wish to take this opportunity to remind members of the public to always be alert when purchasing products such as the Bata shoes and are therefore urged to always buy genuine products from legitimate outlets,” said Ms Katongo.

And Bata Company Marketing Manager Octavia Sakala urged consumers to help promote local manufacturer by reporting counterfeit products.