Business Writer
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has warned consumers in the region to be wary of Casely portable 500mAH wireless powerbanks which put their lives and health at risk as they overheat.
In a statement, CCZ Chief executive officer Rose Mpofu who is also the chairperson of Comesa Consumer Protection Committee said over 429 000 power banks were recently recalled by an American company, Casely after it was discovered that they were defective.
“The lithiumion battery in the recalled power banks can overheat and ignite , posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Casely effected the recall following complaints from 51 consumers who cited over heating, expanding or catching fire while they were charging their phones,” she said.
In a letter to CCZ, COMESA Competition Commission director of Welfare and Advocacy, Steven Kamukama warned consumers who might be in possession of the recalled power banks to stop using them.
“The Comesa Competition Commission warns consumers who might be in possession of the recalled wireless portable power banks to immediately stop using and contact Casely for free replacement by filling out online forms and submit two paragraphs , one should be in front of the power bank with the word, recalled on it and the date written in permanent marker.The second paragraph should have the model number on it which is located on the back of the power bank, ” he said.