EDITOR — THERE is a worrying phenomena in the country — that of profiteering, a milking of the suffering masses.

I recently travelled to my rural home where I discovered that prices for all commodities have been tripled.

The heartless business owners actually brag that the goods will sell despite the exorbitant prices because the customer has no option as transport costs to cities to procure the goods are steep.

I urge the business community to start acting responsibly if we are to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030.

We may be experiencing economic challenges but some of the price hikes are unwarranted.

Profit is the sole purpose of business, critical to survival but profiteering is fraudulent, evil; it is racketeering, exploitative and abusive.

It is not surprising that in less than six months some businesses are reporting millions of dollars in profit.

Pricing distortions have become the order of the day. 

These distortions speak to a business community that has thrown ethics out of the window and has no qualms about abusing the consumer.

This profiteering is being done by both big and small businesses.

The Government has since said it has no intention of controlling prices, but the business community should not take advantage of this non-interference.

The effect of this pricing madness has been the erosion of the salaries of all workers, everely weakening the consumer.

It is time that business do some soul-searching and ask itself if it wants to be part of the national building effort.

Tawanda Marufu.

Masvingo.