By Farai D Hove| ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday said he will strip pharmacies and retailers of their licenses punishment for over pricing.

Mnangagwa who contradicted his own ministers, was speaking during his Mashonaland West rally.

He said Government was taking tough measures on businesses that promoted economic hardships while pursuing profits. “These pharmacies are charging in US dollars but their employees are not paid in US dollars. We sat down as Cabinet and directed the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, to tell them Government is not happy with what they are doing.

“The majority of you who were now selling medical provisions, asking for US dollars, it’s not proper because you go and queue at the RBZ asking for foreign currency to import these drugs. There is no reason why you should, therefore, ask the public to purchase these drugs in foreign currency when you yourselves get it from the Reserve Bank. Those of you who do not heed this caution: danger is coming, we will withdraw your licences,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Mnangagwa said he had told Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu to regularly engage business over-pricing.

“Prices were going up left right and centre, but I called business leaders to State House, and immediately some of them reduced the prices. Fertiliser was increased from $35 to more than $100, but when I engaged with them, they said they would reduce it to $45. Most of the manufacturers and wholesalers are charging acceptable prices, but it is the retailers who have the biggest problem. I asked my young minister, Ndlovu, to meet with them and I am waiting for further details. But if they refuse to reduce prices then they will also lose their licences,” he said.