Imagine tucking into a steaming plate of rice — the aroma comforting, the grains soft and familiar — only to discover later that what you’ve eaten was never meant for human beings at all. In Bulawayo, that nightmare has become a chilling reality after city health officials uncovered a shocking scandal: tonnes of rice, originally designated as animal feed, had allegedly been repackaged and sold for human consumption.
Bulawayo – A Bulawayo-based company is under investigation after allegedly repackaging water-damaged rice originally intended for animal feed and distributing it for human consumption.
According to the latest Bulawayo City Council (BCC) health report, Flynote Investments (Pvt) Ltd, trading under the Evergold brand and operating from Thorngrove, had 322 tonnes of rice confiscated and sent to the Government Analyst Laboratory for urgent testing.
City health officials say the rice — initially designated as stock feed — was repackaged for human markets inside a facility designed for animal feed production.
“Water-damaged bulk rice for stock feed was being packaged and sold for human consumption. The rice was being packaged in a stock feed factory with extremely poor hygienic conditions,” reads the BCC report.
Officials raised alarm over the potential presence of mould, bacteria and chemical residues, which can cause serious illnesses if consumed.
No immediate comment was obtained from Flynote Investments yesterday.
Multiple Complaints in One Month
The rice scandal emerged as part of a wider set of community health complaints during the same reporting period. These included:
- Human waste at Burombo Beer Garden in Mzilikazi, allegedly caused by illegal occupants.
- A pig-rearing operation at 25 Marimba Road, Matsheumhlope, generating noise and foul smells.
- Overcrowding at 6 Msigwana Road, Harrisvale, where 15 people are reportedly sharing one four-bedroom house without proper ablution facilities.
Push for Stray Cat and Vicious Dog Policies
Bulawayo councillors also debated a new policy to manage the city’s growing stray cat population following a recent 10-day tie-up order on stray dogs.
“Over a period of five years, the population of these cats would have multiplied significantly,” said Councillor Felix Madzana.
Health director Dr Edwin Mzingwane confirmed a policy on vicious dog breeds is being drafted in consultation with the SPCA, ZRP and Veterinary Services. He warned, however, that reducing cat numbers too drastically could spark rat infestations, citing a case in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township.
Public Health Alarm
The rice scandal has triggered widespread concern in Bulawayo, where food security and safety are already under strain. Analysts warn that repackaging feed-grade products for human use can expose consumers to carcinogens, harmful microbes, and dangerous toxins.
Consumer watchdogs are calling for stronger inspections of food-processing plants and harsher penalties for firms caught mislabelling or repurposing non-food products.
Authorities have yet to confirm the laboratory results from the seized rice consignment, but say legal action will follow if the findings support the allegations.
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