A sexual harassment dispute has erupted at Proton Bakery in Marondera, with a workers’ union demanding action over allegations involving female employees.
The allegations have reportedly resulted in the dismissal of a manager, identified as Evans Koga, although the circumstances surrounding his departure could not be independently confirmed.
The case was escalated to the United Food and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe (UFAWUZ) by one of the affected workers after complaints were reportedly raised against management.
In a letter dated August 24, 2026, and seen by Hurumende News Hub, the union’s General Secretary, Mutero, raised concerns over alleged sexual harassment at Proton Bakers and called on the company to take action.
The union’s letter reportedly identified the manager accused of sexually harassing a female employee and demanded that the company explain what steps had been taken to address the complaint.
According to the correspondence, management was given 24 hours to respond, but the union said it did not receive a response within the stipulated period.
“We wrote to you as directors highlighting the gravity of such actions by management towards female employees, whether married or not,” the letter read.
The union accused the company’s Human Resources Manager and directors of failing to adequately respond to what it described as serious allegations.
“As a trade union, we will not condone such behaviour.
“We will not leave women in the workplace at the mercy of managers who seek to exploit them by demanding sexual favours in exchange for guarantees of contract extension,” the union said.
The union further raised concerns over alleged pressure on female employees to provide sexual favours in connection with the renewal of employment contracts.
It said such conduct would amount to coerced consent and called for greater protection of workers from sexual harassment in the workplace.
The union warned that failure by Proton Bakers to address the complaints could result in the matter being referred to the Gender Commission for investigation.
It also said it was prepared to work with other women’s organisations to push for the protection of female employees allegedly facing sexual harassment at the bakery.
Attempts to obtain comment from Koga and Proton Bakers were unsuccessful.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the accused has not been convicted of any offence.
