Shoprite chain of Supermarkets, a South African Retail Store, has been prohibited from leaving the country later this month after a customer filed a suit against it. The court wants the case to be heard and determined before a ruling is made on the supermarket's exit.
Patrick Alouis Maina, an IT developer, alleged that he was injured by a stack of plastic lids while shopping at a Garden City Branch.
The incident occurred in September 2019 after Maina attempted to lift the stack of containers to inspect what was contained in it. The containers were allegedly loosely placed.
According to Maina, the supermarket did not display a warning of notice near the displayed items.
Maina claimed to have sustained head injuries, dizziness, severe pain, and psychological distress.
He added that he was neglected by the supermarket's authorities after the accident happened.
Justice Antony Mrima authorized the enterprise not to remove or sell any of its assets from the country, pending a determination by the court.
"An order is hereby issued restraining the respondent herein, Shoprite Checkers Limited, from selling, transferring or conducting any sale or transfer of its business within Kenya as a going concern,” ordered Justice Mrima.
The supermarket which has been around for two years was set to withdraw from the Kenyan market following the closure of its branches and head office at Nairobi.
The court papers reveal that Maina used his phone to take photos of the incident and went to Avenue hospital for treatment.
The supermarket will extend its stay without running operations till the court delivers its verdict.
