Cdedi plans vigil against sexual abuse
Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) has planned protests and vigils against Shayona Cement Corporation management over revelations of alleged sexual abuse.
In a letter addressed to Lilongwe district commissioner (DC) Lawford Palani and copied to the company as well as the Indian High Commission in Lilongwe, Cdedi says the demonstrations will take place next Thursday in the city.
Cdedi says in the letter dated April 19 2024 the action follows the expiry of seven days ultimatum it gave Shayona Cement managing director Jitendra Patel on April 10 2024 to act on the matter.
Signed by Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa, the letter says the demonstrations will start from Civo Upper Stadium to the Indian High Commission where a petition will be presented.
“Note that the said demonstrations will be followed with vigils at Shayona Cement Corporation head office Area 4, Lilongwe until our demands are met,” reads the letter.
Among others, Cdedi is demanding Patel to cooperate with the Malawi Police to ensure that the suspect faces the law, make a public apology and ensure that the victims recover from trauma.
The organisation also wants the company to compensate the victims of the alleged sexual abuse and also demonstrate that the law was followed in hiring the suspect and the rest of foreign nationals currently working at Shayona Cement Corporation.
Cdedi’s demands come after it received and analysed a dossier of letters and a 17:26 minute video clip on sexual abuse linked to Jayesh Kumar Dalwad, an Indian national who was working as an assistant manager at the company.
In an interview, Palani confirmed receiving the letter, but declined to state the next move his office will take until a stakeholders’ meeting is held.
The clip, which we have not independently verified, shows the foreign national abusing a male housekeeper (name withheld) by forcing him to caress his boss’ genitals as a precondition to keep his job. The suspect is alleged to have fled the country.
The allegedly abused worker reported the matter to his superiors who, on several occasions, allegedly dismissed him.
But a fellow employee offered him a smartphone; hence, the recording of the video that brought to light his ordeal.
On Tuesday, in an interview with our sister paper The Nation, Patel dismissed Cdedi’s claims, describing them as “mostly untrue”.
“The victim is also at fault. And I was very upset with both. Once I knew about it, I immediately took action by suspending the expatriate for more findings. The case is being handled by our lawyers,” said Patel.
