Archbishop fights worker’s $7,000 claim

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
THE Archbishop of the Catholic Church’s Bulawayo Diocese, Alex Thomas, has challenged claims by one of the church’s employees that the Diocese owes her $7,000 she spent on running the church’s office as well as service its vehicle.
Father Thomas, through his lawyers Coghlan and Welsh Legal Practitioners, last week filed a notice of appearance to defend a High Court application filed by, Felicity Sibindi, who was allegedly employed by the church as a health coordinator.
In court papers filed last month, Sibindi cited Father Thomas and the Archdiocese of Bulawayo as the defendants
Sibindi is demanding $5,000 for allegedly settling office costs with her personal money as well as $2,000 for servicing the church’s Toyota Hilux vehicle. The church is, however, disputing the claims.
It challenged her to produce proof of employment and documents showing that she was authorised to pay the running costs and service the church’s vehicle.
“Was the plaintiff ever employed by the second defendant (Father Thomas)? If so the employment contract is requested. Was the plaintiff authorised to pay the said running costs and if so by who? Proof of such authorisation is required,” queried the defendants.
In her declaration, Sibindi who claims to have worked for the church from January, 2009, to December, 2015, said she used her money with the hope that the church and its leader would reimburse her. She also claimed that all receipts were available although the documents were not attached in her summons to support her application.
The vehicle was allegedly serviced at Toyota Zimbabwe. Sibindi is seeking an order compelling the defendants to pay her the $7,000 failure of which she wants the church’s property to be auctioned to recover her money.
Sibindi is also demanding that the defendants pay the cost of the suit.