MASVINGO — The Deputy Sheriff yesterday attached eight cars — including mayor Femius Chakabuda’s official Mercedes- Benz — as well as other movable property to settle $3,5 million owed to workers in a salary dispute which dates back to 2008. Report by Tatenda Chitagu Own Correspondent
This follows a recent High Court ruling in favour of the workers.
A NewsDay crew yesterday witnessed Chakabuda’s Mercedes-Benz, a council commuter omnibus and several other pick-up trucks being towed away.
Council business was ground to a halt as there were no vehicles for daily chores, while other officials sped off with their vehicles when the drama started.
Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers’ Union chairperson Manashe Vunganai said the local authority had failed to abide by the court ruling, leaving the workers with no option, but to get a High Court order compelling the Deputy Sheriff to attach the property.
“We had arbitration and Labour Court hearings which we won.
“But the council did not cooperate, so we sought a court order to attach council property to get the salaries,” he said. Contacted for comment, Chakabuda downplayed the issue saying the local authority was not panicking as it was making arrangements to pay.
“That we must pay the money is given. We are making arrangements to pay,” he said. “The Deputy Sheriff has attached all movable assets, but we will avert a situation where the property will be auctioned.
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“It is business as usual here as you can see. It does not mean that the cars will be sold straight away.
“We still have time to pay before they are auctioned.”
