Dis-Chem decides not to appeal R1.2m PPE fine
Pharmacy chain Dis-Chem has withdrawn its appeal against a fine of R1.2 million imposed on it by the Competition Commission.
The commission imposed the hefty fine after the company was found guilty of excessively inflating the prices of some personal protective equipment (PPE).
In July, the Competition Tribunal found Dis-Chem guilty of contravening the Competition Act by selling surgical face masks at excessive prices at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Competition Commissioner Tembikosi Bonakele has welcomed the company’s decision to withdraw the appeal.
“The price increases that occurred during the State of National Disaster were regrettable. We believe that the Tribunal made a right call by condemning the conduct.
“We have been consistent in arguing that price gouging in a pandemic deprives consumers, particularly poor consumers, of access to essential goods that are necessary to prevent a further escalation of the pandemic.”