By Suleman Chitera

Tension is rising in Ntcheu District after 17 workers from Moza Sweet Bakery at Tsangano Turn Off staged a complaint at the district labour office, accusing the company’s management of exploitation, unlawful salary deductions and unfair treatment in the workplace.Police Strike Back: Criminals Warned as Undercover Operation Thwarts Mbowe Heist

The workers, led by Bashil Douglas, claim they have endured harsh working conditions and what they describe as “inhumane punishments” while employed at the bakery owned by businessman Thokozani Erick John.

According to Douglas, workers receive a monthly salary of only K70,000, but management allegedly deducts between K10,000 and K20,000 whenever an employee misses work for just a single day due to illness.Investigative Report: How Nir Ges Obtained a Diplomatic Passport in Malawi

The workers further allege that they are fined K2,000 simply for eating bread at the bakery during working hours, a development that has sparked outrage among community members following the emergence of the claims.

Douglas also accused the bakery management of dismissing the workers without proper procedures or explanation, leaving many of them stranded and financially desperate.

“We have suffered enough. We are treated unfairly and deductions are made even when someone is genuinely sick,” Douglas reportedly told MBC Digital.How Malawi’s Gold Is Allegedly Flowing Into Israel Through Smuggling Networks

However, the bakery owner, Thokozani Erick John, has denied the accusations. Speaking through his representative, Kevin Mutoni Wakera, John insisted that the workers were not fired, arguing instead that they voluntarily abandoned their jobs.

The matter has now attracted the attention of labour authorities in Ntcheu.

Ntcheu District Labour Officer Efford Geza confirmed that his office received the complaint and had arranged a meeting with the bakery owner to address the concerns raised by the workers.Israeli National Nir Gess Under Fire Over Misleading Claims on Malawian Children’s Heart Surgeries

Geza, however, disclosed that the owner failed to attend the meeting, claiming he had already reported the issue to police in Mozambique.

The development has triggered debate over workers’ rights and labour conditions in private businesses operating in Malawi, with some calling for stronger enforcement of labour laws to protect vulnerable employees from exploitation.

Labour rights advocates say the allegations, if proven true, could amount to unfair labour practices and abuse of workers’ rights, especially regarding salary deductions linked to sickness and alleged arbitrary punishments.Israel Farm Jobs Losing Appeal Among Malawian Workers Over Escape Concerns

The case is expected to draw further scrutiny as authorities continue investigations into the complaints raised by the workers.