Facing Dismissal Over Rice Business: How Would You Defend Yourself Against Allegations?

I was suspended from work based on allegations that I was requesting money from co-workers for reasons they failed to explain. Then I was called in for interviews by external auditors, where they asked me why I was requesting money from co-workers on duty. I denied the allegation imposed on me. I told the auditors that I only requested money after work hours from those who owed me, having collected 50 kgs of rice on loan. After work hours, I do business, and I have never sold rice at the office or during company hours. However, co-workers would call me to sell them rice; sometimes we would meet at trading centers, some at bottle stores. Finally, after the interview, the auditors concluded that I was wrong because I mentioned the rice business, which I wanted to use as an excuse. That's when the case was opened against me.

Now, during the disciplinary hearing, all the witnesses complained that I was requesting money during company hours, and none of them mentioned the purpose of requesting the money. The committee did not find any evidence against me during the hearing, and they used the weight of probability that I used the rice business as an excuse. One of the witnesses and I were residing in the same compound area. The committee asked me when and where I sold to him. I told them that he said we should meet at the trading centers with the bag, but the committee said it was not applicable to sell to him at the trading center. I was supposed to drop it at his house since we were in the same compound. I told them that I deliver where my customers want it. Then, they concluded that I was guilty, and they dismissed me.

It seems like you're facing a situation where there has been an alleged breach of your company's code of conduct, which led to your dismissal. It's important to understand that HR policies differ across organizations and countries, so my advice is based on general HR principles and practices.

⏳ Your situation can be evaluated under two main aspects:

1. The request for money from your co-workers.
2. The conduct of your rice business after office hours.

🔍 Regarding the request for money during work hours:

- If there is no explicit company policy against borrowing or lending money among co-workers during work hours, the company may not have a firm ground for dismissal.

- If there is a policy against this practice, and you violated it, then the company might have grounds for your dismissal, depending on the severity of the violation.

🌾 Regarding your rice business conducted after work hours:

- If you are conducting a personal business outside of work hours and it doesn't interfere with your job performance or breach any company policies, it is generally considered acceptable. However, the company may have policies regarding conflicts of interest, which could be applicable if your rice business involves co-workers.

📋 Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can approach this situation:

1️⃣ Review Company Policies: First, review your company's handbook or guidelines to understand the rules regarding borrowing/lending money among co-workers and operating a personal business involving co-workers.

2️⃣ Gather Evidence: Collect all possible evidence to support your case. This could include witnesses who can testify that your business transactions occur after work hours, transaction records, text messages, emails, or any other form of communication that can prove your point.

3️⃣ Legal Consultation: As you're in Malawi, it might be beneficial to consult with a labor law attorney to understand your rights under the Employment Act of Malawi.

4️⃣ Appeal the Decision: If your company has an appeal process in place, consider using it. Present all your evidence and make your case clearly and professionally.

5️⃣ Mediation: If the company's internal processes do not resolve the issue, consider seeking mediation through a third party or the local labor board in Blantyre.

6️⃣ Legal Action: If all else fails, and you believe your dismissal was unjust, you might consider taking legal action. However, this should be your last resort and only pursued after consulting with a legal professional.

Remember, it's crucial to handle this situation professionally. Don't let emotions get the better of you and affect your judgement or actions.