By Staff Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), together with the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) have strongly condemned state security agents brutality following reports of beatings carried out on Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd workers in Hwange.
The organisations confirmed receiving reports on several workers being physically assaulted after company management allegedly accused them of siphoning diesel from machinery at coal mining and coal bed methane exploration company.
“Instead of reporting the matter through lawful channels to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, management reportedly summoned state security agents who subjected workers to violent beatings and intimidation.
“At least two security guards reportedly sustained serious injuries during the assault, while several drivers were also assaulted. This is not the first reported incident of violence at the company, as previous reports indicate another worker (name supplied) suffered a broken leg following a similar crackdown last year,” the organizations said in a joint statement.
ZDAMWU and CNRG said these developments are deeply disturbing and point to an emerging culture of fear, intimidation, and abuse within the company.
The duo reiterated that workers should never be subjected to violence, torture, or degrading treatment under any circumstances. Allegations of misconduct must be handled through proper legal and labour procedures that respect the rule of law and human rights.
“We are equally alarmed by broader allegations raised by workers regarding poor working and living conditions at Zambezi Gas, a wholly owned Zimbabwe entity. Workers have cited inadequate sanitation facilities, lack of clean drinking water, poor occupational safety standards, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Reports that low grade workers are denied access to decent accommodation, hygienic facilities, and equal opportunities while senior employees enjoy better conditions raise serious concerns about labour exploitation and workplace discrimination,” the joint statement reads in part.
The organisations demanded an immediate independent investigation into the assault of workers at Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe(Pvt) Ltd; Urgent medical assistance and protection for injured workers; An end to intimidation, violence, and reprisals against employees and Immediate improvements in workplace safety, sanitation, accommodation, and access to clean water;
Full compliance with Zimbabwe’s labour, health, immigration, and environmental laws;Protection of workers’ rights to freely associate and join unions of their choice withoutinterference from employers.
“ZDAMWU and CNRG note with concern allegations that management recently facilitated the introduction of a union allegedly imposed on workers in an attempt to weaken genuine worker representation. If proven true, such actions constitute a serious attack on freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
“A union must exist to defend workers, not to shield abusive employers. Any organisation that sides with exploitation and intimidation betrays the very workers it claims to represent,” the statement added.
