adminFungai Lupande-Mash Central Bureau
There was a drama at Bindura Rural District Council offices in Manhenga last week when former chief executive officer Savie Munoiarwa, who was fired last year, came back to resume duties following a Labour Court judgment.
Council chairperson Mr Gilbert Jonga said Munoiarwa was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing which found her guilty of breach of contract.
She was facing fraud and criminal abuse of office charges at Bindura Magistrates Court, but further remand of the matter was refused and it was consequently struck off the court roll. The State is expected to proceed by way of summons once it puts its house in order. The charges involve claims for mileage, school fees and the purchase of a generator.
Following her sacking, Munoiarwa took her case to the Labour Court claiming unfair dismissal.
On March 21 this year, the Labour Court ruled that Munoiarwa should be reinstated without loss of salary and benefits or she be paid damages in lieu of reinstatement on an amount agreed by parties or by the court.
Mr Jonga said Bindura Rural District Councils held a meeting and agreed to appeal at the Supreme Court.
He said the judgment gave them 21 days to act and they decided to exhaust all available legal avenues before considering personal opinions.
“Should the apex court uphold the judgment, we will then sit down and either reinstate or award her a package. Our lawyer has since approached the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, the former CEO went to work on Monday and Tuesday to resume normal duties.
“I don’t know her intentions for coming to council offices but the period given by the Labour Court has not yet lapsed. We still have time. There was a misunderstanding when she arrived and she was ordered to leave. She needed to be advised on the stance we took as a council.”
Online Reporter