06/08/2025
Mzimba Shebeen Owners Cry Foul Over Chibuku Distribution Strategy
By Patrick Jonathan Mwale, Wazilinda FM – Mzimba
Shebeen operators across Mzimba have raised serious concerns over the recent Chibuku supply strategy, accusing local distributors of unfair trade practices and creating artificial shortages.
"We’ve gone two days without Chibuku, yet it's my highest-selling product," lamented Nya Mkandawire, a popular shebeen operator at Big 5, near Chamkusa Hall.
Ironically, the complaints come on the very Wednesday when a Chibuku delivery truck was spotted around midday heading towards Jenda, after offloading hundreds of crates to two major depots: Raphael at 40/40 and Shaba at Izozo.
What has sparked outrage is that both 40/40 and Izozo depots also operate as retail outlets. A shebeen operator at Chanthomba, located close to both depots, expressed frustration:
"I stood in line from 10 a.m. waiting to buy at order price. But just when I was about to pay, they told me there was no more stock. Yet over 600 crates were still visible in their storerooms. Moments later, the seller announced loudly that crates were available , but only at retail price," said a motorcyclist who was sent by a major pub near the stadium.
"This isn’t the first time," added another pub owner from the St Paul’s area. "The same thing happened last Saturday and again on Monday. Whether this is a coordinated business tactic between Chibuku distributors and the depot owners, nobody knows."
Local business owners are now calling on Chibuku Products Limited to clarify their position and prove they are not involved in what many describe as a brewing cartel. They are also urging the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) to investigate the matter and intervene where necessary to protect local businesses.
