Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN Reporter
Workers allege exploitation, unsafe conditions as community accuses Chinese manager of mistreating children
Karonga Police have condemned alleged acts of assault, harassment and mistreatment of workers and children at Nkhachira Coal Mine in Mkamanga Village, Karonga District, following disturbing complaints raised during a surprise police monitoring visit.
Karonga Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Morgan Dzonzi, expressed concern on Friday after interacting with workers employed by Xingma Investment Limited and members of the surrounding community.
During the visit, mine workers painted a troubling picture of their working conditions, alleging that they are subjected to unsafe working environments, inadequate wages and intimidation by their supervisors.
The workers claimed that they work from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, with only a 30-minute lunch break, often without shoes, face masks or other essential protective equipment despite being engaged in coal-digging activities.
They further disclosed that they receive K160,000 per month for digging coal and watering roads leading to the mining site, instead of the company using water bowsers to control dust.
The workers also accused one supervisor of physically assaulting and harassing employees, alleging that those who raise complaints risk losing their jobs.
Their concerns extended to the absence of basic sanitation and safe drinking water facilities. According to the workers, they have no toilets at the site and are forced to drink water from an unprotected well near the mine, raising serious concerns about possible contamination and health risks.
CHILDREN ALLEGEDLY SUBJECTED TO HUMILIATING TREATMENT
In a separate but equally disturbing complaint, members of the surrounding community accused a Chinese manager at the mining site of allegedly harassing and mistreating children.
Community members claimed that children are sometimes forced to fight one another for the manager’s entertainment, with those who emerge victorious reportedly rewarded with fritters, locally known as zitumbuwa.
They further alleged that the manager sometimes uses children’s clothes to wash his vehicle before giving them K100 in return.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the treatment and protection of children around the mining operation, particularly the need for authorities to investigate whether minors are being subjected to degrading or exploitative treatment.
POLICE ISSUE WARNING TO MINE MANAGEMENT
In response to the complaints, DCP Dzonzi assured workers and community members that their grievances would be referred to relevant authorities for appropriate action.
He also challenged Malawian managers working at the mining site to stop shielding foreign nationals allegedly involved in misconduct against Malawians.
Dzonzi emphasised that all individuals operating in Malawi must respect the country’s laws, regardless of their nationality or position.
He warned that anyone found violating the law would be held accountable.
The police intervention places renewed attention on the responsibility of mining companies to provide safe working environments, respect workers’ rights and protect communities surrounding their operations.
The allegations also raise questions about labour standards, workplace safety, access to clean water and the protection of children in areas hosting mining activities.
While the complaints are yet to be independently established, authorities are expected to examine the concerns and ensure that any individuals or company officials found responsible face appropriate legal consequences.
The central question now is whether the relevant authorities will move beyond receiving complaints and take concrete action to protect workers and children at Nkhachira Coal Mine.
