adminpublic sympathy.
Prosecutors have been on strike since last Tuesday in protest over the salary discrepancy between them and magistrates.
Magistrates have been moved from the Public Service Commission to the Judicial Service Commission.
Prosecutors reportedly earned between US$253 and US$400 per month.
However, PSC chairperson Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwa in a statement yesterday said the prosecutors’ total monthly package ranged from US$555 to US$727.
Non-degreed prosecutors are getting US$555 while degreed prosecutors earn between US$565 to US$727.
Dr Nzuwa said the recently introduced representation allowance of US$156 per month for principal law officers and prosecutors in Grade One, will see them getting between US$874 and US$883 per month.
The salaries, excluding allowances, range from US$253 to US$299 per month.
“The public has continuously been misinformed that the lowest-paid prosecutor is taking home a paltry US$253 and the most senior is getting a salary in the range of US$400.
“These figures are deliberately understated, understandable to garner public sympathy.”
He said the PSC; “as the paymasters of civil servants, taxpayers deserve to know the truth about who is earning what from their hard earned money.”
He said the PSC was still seized with prosecutors’ plight although their association used a flawed procedure in raising their grievances. Dr Nzuwa said the Zimbabwe Law Officers Association was not recognised at law and that it could not make representations to the Minister or commission on conditions of service for the public service.
“The public has also been misinformed that the Public Service Commission ignored the prosecutors concerns. This is factually incorrect.
“The Public Service Commission responded to the public prosecutors in writing, advising them on the proper procedure to follow in accordance with the statutes that govern public service.
“PSC notified the Zimbabwe Law Officers’ Association which is not a registered or a recognised association in terms of the PSC Act and in terms of Statutory Instrument 45 of 1998 and 141 of 1997 of its status and directed them to follow the proper procedures laid down in the statutes for any grievances on conditions of service.”
ZILOA, according to the statement, was informed that Apex was the only body allowed at law to negotiate for conditions of service for PSC members.
Meanwhile Acting Justice and Legal Affairs secretary, Mr Maxwell Ranga, is today expected to meet striking prosecutors and law officers in a bid to find a solution to the ongoing industrial action.
ZILOA secretary general, Mr Dereck Charamba, yesterday said Mr Ranga had requested to meet them and outline the Ministry’s position.
“I can confirm that the acting secretary has requested to meet our constituency and brief them on the Ministry’s position.
“It is important for every province to be represented so we can discuss the way forward. The Ziloa members will decide whether we should go back to work or not,” he said.
Mr Charamba said Mr Ranga pleaded with them to return to work saying they were solving their salary concerns.
He, however, said the strike would continue until Government gave a written undertaking.
Online Reporter