Quickmart Supermarket has apologized to the public after a viral video where two customers recounted a troubling experience at its Buruburu branch.
In the video, a brother and sister narrated how an innocent misunderstanding over milk was turned into a humiliating experience, complete with physical abuse and public accusations of shoplifting. The emotional account resonated with many on social media, prompting the public condemnation of the handling of the situation by the supermarket’s management.
Responding to the outrage, Quickmart, in a statement on Tuesday, August 5, took responsibility for the incident. It confirmed that it had acted, including suspending staff members who were involved.
The retailer also promised the public that it was treating the incident very seriously and is fully cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.
“Our foremost priority is the well-being and dignity of every customer who walks through our doors. We deeply regret the distress this incident has caused, and we sincerely apologize to the affected customer and to everyone who feels let down by this experience,” the statement read in part.
Quickmart Supermarket also undertook to take additional action, including retraining staff on behavior and customer relations.
“We are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all our customers and staff. To this end, we regularly conduct training and seminars to uphold the highest standards of conduct and service,” the statement read.
Quickmart also revealed that it had reached out to the victims individually to apologize and offer its support.
“We have personally reached out to the affected customer to offer our heartfelt apologies, reassurance and support. We want everyone to know that their safety, dignity, and respect are at the core of everything we do at Quickmart,” the company said.
Customers Accuse Manager of Assault and Theft Allegations
The public uproar began after a viral video showed two siblings recounting how a Quickmart manager allegedly abused them over a simple milk purchase at the Buruburu branch.
According to their account, they had visited the milk dispenser section but found no staff present. After waiting in vain for assistance, they assumed the dispenser was self-service. They paid for two litres of milk, got a receipt, and proceeded to exit the store.
But moments later, they were called back by Quickmart staff and queried on why they had served themselves. What began as a misunderstanding soon descended into chaos.
The siblings claimed the branch manager took the receipt from their hands and tore it to pieces.. He then accused them of stealing 57 litres of milk.
The situation worsened when the manager allegedly assaulted the sister, confiscated her phone, and deleted a video she had recorded during the altercation. Her brother stepped in to defend her but was also reportedly beaten.
”We were very confused. ” the female customer recalled. “The manager took us to the control unit and started beating both my brother and me. When I questioned why he was beating us, he refused to respond.”
The situation intensified when the manager allegedly called the siblings’ father and accused them of stealing 57 litres of milk. He reportedly demanded that the father either pay for the milk or risk having his children arrested.
Refusing to comply, the father went directly to Buruburu Police Station to file a complaint. Meanwhile, his children were taken to the same police station by Quickmart staff, but because their father was already there reporting the incident, the police did not detain them.
It has since emerged that this wasn’t an isolated case. Allegations have surfaced suggesting the same manager has previously had other customers arrested and charged over disputes at the store.
