HARARE – The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) and the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) have called for an independent investigation after workers at Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe were allegedly assaulted on Wednesday evening in Hwange.
The unions say at least two security guards and several drivers sustained serious injuries after suspected security agents were called in following allegations that workers had siphoned diesel from company machinery.
According to ZDAMWU and CNRG, management did not report the matter to police but instead summoned state security agents, who allegedly beat and intimidated the workers.
The groups said a similar incident occurred last year in which a worker reportedly suffered a broken leg.
“Workers should never be subjected to violence or degrading treatment. Allegations of misconduct must be handled through proper legal and labour procedures,” ZDAMWU and CNRG said in a joint statement.
The unions also cited concerns over working and living conditions at the company. They alleged inadequate sanitation, lack of clean water, poor safety standards, insufficient personal protective equipment, and discrimination in accommodation between junior and senior staff.
ZDAMWU and CNRG are calling for an independent investigation, urgent medical care for the injured, an end to intimidation, and immediate improvements to workplace safety. They have urged the Ministry of Labour, NSSA, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, and Parliament to look into the matter.
“Zimbabwe’s workers are not slaves. No company should operate above the law or violate workers’ dignity and rights,” the groups said.
Zambezi Gas management could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Police in Hwange were contacted regarding the allegations but had not responded by the time of going to print.
Efforts to independently verify the claims are ongoing.