By Twink Jones Gadama

Chipiku Stores, a prominent retail chain in Malawi, is facing serious allegations of workplace abuses, including exploitation, harassment, and unfair treatment of employees. Multiple reports obtained by this publication reveal a disturbing pattern of mistreatment, sparking outrage and demands for accountability.

According to the reports, workers at Chipiku Stores have been subjected to various forms of mistreatment, including sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and physical violence.

Some employees claim they have been forced to work for an entire year without any holidays, while others report receiving meager salaries, particularly when compared to their expatriate Asian counterparts performing similar roles.

“There are too many Indian workers doing manual work, and they are paid much more than us locals,” one report alleges. This perceived disparity in treatment has created a toxic work environment, with many employees feeling exploited and undervalued.

Furthermore, employees accuse the company of routinely selling expired goods and instructing staff to hide these items whenever health inspectors visit the stores.

This practice raises serious concerns about consumer safety and the company’s commitment to ethical business practices.

The reports specifically call for urgent intervention from the Minister of Labour and related authorities, urging them to visit Chipiku’s main shop in Area 4 and the outlet at Game Complex in Lilongwe. “Kukuchitika nkhanza kwambiri (There is a lot of abuse happening here),” one source lamented.

Efforts to get a comment from Chipiku Stores management have so far been unsuccessful.

The company’s silence on the matter has only fueled speculation and outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

As the scandal continues to unfold, the Malawi government is under pressure to take decisive action to address the claims of mistreatment and unethical practices at Chipiku Stores.

The Minister of Labour, in particular, is expected to play a key role in investigating the allegations and ensuring that the company is held accountable for any wrongdoing.

The allegations of workplace abuse and unethical practices at Chipiku Stores are deeply disturbing and warrant immediate attention from the authorities.

As the investigation unfolds, it is essential that the company is held accountable for any wrongdoing and that measures are put in place to prevent such abuses from happening in the future.