A video showing an employee being violently beaten in a Yaoundé supermarket has sparked outrage in Cameroon and shed light on abusive practices at Sino Mart. The victim, identified as Arnaud Ombe Boya, was allegedly punished for suspected theft.
According to anonymous testimonies, Sino Mart's management imposes an informal system on employees from the moment they are hired. In the event of misconduct, employees are allegedly given the choice between being handed over to the authorities or being beaten within the company. Arnaud Ombe Boya was allegedly accused of stealing a bag, an extension cord and an insecticide, which led to him being beaten and humiliated.
The events reportedly took place about three weeks before the video was released. On the same day as the incident, four other employees allegedly suffered the same treatment. Company officials allegedly filmed these scenes and shared them in a WhatsApp group. The dissemination of these images reportedly caused unease among some Cameroonian members of the group, leading to the video being leaked on social networks.
At the time the video was released, Arnaud Ombe Boya was no longer working at Sino Mart. He is reportedly afraid to speak out publicly, acknowledging the theft and fearing legal consequences.
The case has taken a legal turn with the arrest of Sino Mart's CEO, Yan Min, and an interpreter, Lizina Tairama. They are accused of inhuman and degrading treatment. The supermarket was temporarily closed by order of the sub-prefect of Yaoundé 1st, Harouna Nyandji Mgbatou, due to a risk of serious public disorder.
Popular outrage is high, and voices are being raised to denounce "modern slavery" in certain businesses run by expatriates in Cameroon. Customers and residents of Elig-Edzoa, where Sino Mart is located, report recurring instances of mistreatment. This case highlights the need for stricter control of working conditions in foreign companies in Cameroon.
The Minister of Labor and Social Security has summoned Sino Mart officials to shed light on this case. The investigation is continuing to formally identify the soldier who allegedly administered the blows.
The temporary closure of Sino Mart and the ensuing arrests send a strong signal to foreign employers accused of degrading treatment of their employees. Justice must be served in this case, and those responsible must be punished.
