FORMER Gokwe town secretary Tapiwa Marongwe has approached the Labour Court seeking payment of over $30 000 as outstanding salary from the local authority. He is challenging his dismissal.
BLESSED MHLANGA
Marongwe was sacked early this year over corruption charges. Gweru lawyer Peter Dzimba has been appointed arbitrator over the matter.
In a form dated November 8, a labour officer only identified as L Moyo who set at a conciliatory meeting to bridge the gap between Marongwe and council, said the matter should now go for arbitration after the two failed to find common ground.
“I L Moyo being labour officer hereby refer to arbitration by Peter Dzimba in the matter between Tapiwa Marongwe and Gokwe Town Council concerning alleged unlawful suspension, non-payment of dues upon expiry of first suspension period (provided for) as in the Urban Councils Act and unfair dismissal,” reads part of the referral letter.
Marongwe’s lawyer Innocent Hore said his client would be demanding salaries which were withheld while he was on suspension.
“They suspended our client illegally and during that time council was not paying his salaries so we will be seeking to get paid.
“Marongwe’s dismissal from work is also being challenged,” said Hore.
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Marongwe used to earn $1 500 a month excluding other allowances. He wants the salary arrears backdated to February last year.
The former town secretary was dismissed from work after he was found guilty of buying himself a second-hand Toyota D4D vehicle at $52 000 when council had only approved that a vehicle worth $38 000 be bought for him.
He was also found guilty of using his position to influence awarding of tenders to briefcase companies which later swindled the local authority of thousands of dollars.
