"The importer and distributor, Syntech Distribution (Pty) Ltd (supplier), informed the commission of the precautionary recall of these products following reports of fire hazards. These devices combusted while charging.

"According to this importer, the product was imported from China and distributed and sold by Takealot.com, Builders Warehouse, Makro, Incredible Connection, and Hifi Corp. 

"The affected devices have a battery manufacturing flaw which presents a possibility of the product self-combusting and melting when it is charging. In cases where the product’s battery does self-combust, a non-toxic cloud of smoke is released, which may present a fire hazard to nearby furniture.

"Consumers are urged to look for the following product description to determine whether the products in their possession form part of the recall:

"The acting National Consumer Commissioner, Ms Thezi Mabuza, says while the supplier says the recall affects a small number of units, however, safety of South African consumers is of utmost importance, all the time. “This recall comes at the time where South Africans are grappling with the effects of rolling blackouts and trying to circumvent the effects of load-shedding. It is estimated that 3500 units were sold,” she added.

"To check if your unit is affected, please visit https://www.syntech.co.za/gizzu-power-station-query-tool/ and enter your device’s serial number. The site will guide you through the process, and how to manage the device safely.

"Protection of consumers remains our priority. Therefore, we call upon producers and importers of goods to prioritise the safety of consumers by doing everything in their power to ensure that they produce or import goods that are safe and are fit for purpose. The commission is monitoring the recall based on its Recall Guidelines,” she concluded.

Media Statement/National Consumer Commission (NCC)