A Malawian man, Asani Mutarika, has sparked both admiration and backlash after he returned R2 million he found discarded in a waste bin at Olieven Plaza.
Mutarika, a garden technician by profession, was commended for his honesty by the authorities, receiving a Shoprite voucher worth R500 as a token of loyalty for his actions.
While some have praised him for his integrity, others have voiced strong criticism, particularly on social media, where his decision to return the money has generated heated discussions.
Mutarika discovered the large sum of money while at the shopping center in Olieven Plaza. Without hesitation, he reported the find to the local authorities, demonstrating what many would consider an exemplary sense of honesty.
In response to his actions, Mutarika received a Shoprite voucher as a gesture of appreciation, but this reward has led to widespread debate online.
Reactions to Mutarika’s Honesty:
Mercy Mutero, a social media user, expressed disbelief, saying, “Nekuda kunzi munhu akavimbika hre mapudzi anowira kune vasina hari shuwa mari dai yasangana neni.”
Meanwhile, Tariro Mapitse questioned the man’s decision, writing humorously, “Anobva chete kunyika inotanga na M ichipera na wi kkkkkk ari murume wanku ndobva ndatomusiya ini kkkkk.”
On a more critical note, Tryaz Kutsvangura commented, “He will work in a garden for the rest of his life, bomboclaat,” expressing doubt about the long-term benefits of such moral choices.
Deliwe Mai Glenn expressed frustration with Mutarika’s decision, writing, “Makazungaira Mr mudzimu yokurangarira iwe wozviita unoziva nxaaa pfungwa dzako dzinokurwadza shuwa,” which translates to, “You are overthinking, Mr. ‘spirit of the ancestors,’ you’ll do it and know how painful it is when your mind keeps hurting like this.”
Controversy Surrounding Loyalty Reward:
The reward of a mere R500 voucher for returning R2 million has raised further eyebrows. Many feel that Mutarika deserved more recognition for his rare act of honesty.
While some have acknowledged the gesture as a token of appreciation, others believe the reward was insufficient for the magnitude of the action.
In a society where honesty is sometimes overshadowed by greed, Mutarika’s story has highlighted the complexities of moral choices and the ways in which people perceive acts of integrity.
His decision to return the money has sparked a debate that will likely continue for some time.