Fridge fiasco

I run a home-based business selling cold beverages and a variety of ice cream. I bought a refrigerator from a local electronics store in Kariakoo, and it broke down just two days after I purchased it. I took it back, but they claimed I damaged it. The refrigerator came with a one-year warranty. Yet the shop refuses to repair or replace it. What are my rights? Please guide me.
LN, Dar es Salaam

We are sorry to hear about the trouble you have experienced. Your situation highlights a breach of consumer rights when a product, such as a refrigerator, fails shortly after purchase, despite having a valid warranty. Fortunately, the law protects buyers, and refusing to honour the warranty by failing to repair or replace the product is considered a legal violation.

The Sale of Goods Act, Cap. 214 [R.E. 2023] requires that goods must be of merchantable quality and suitable for their intended purpose. The fridge failing after two days suggests it may not have been of merchantable quality or fit for purpose. This constitutes a breach unless the seller can prove that the misuse of the fridge was on your part. Moreover, the Fair Competition Act, Cap. 285 [R.E. 2023] mandates that sellers honour warranties and sell safe, durable goods. Failing to repair or refund constitutes a violation that may lead to legal action. The law states that the supplier is liable to compensate the consumer for any loss or damage, and the consumer can recover the compensation through legal proceedings against the supplier in a Court of competent jurisdiction. To safeguard your rights, you should send a written demand to the seller. Given the legal complexity of consumer litigation, it is advisable to consult a qualified lawyer specialising in consumer protection law.