Four Gweru city employees found themselves in hot water after they dared to speak out against the poor working conditions at the burial of their colleague who tragically suffocated while clearing a manhole. Olivia Masunda, Silas Mutendeudzwa, and two others, Ivony and Ngazimbi, were slapped with a suspension without pay or benefits for their bold actions.
The hammer came down in the form of a letter dated November 13, 2024, signed by none other than Gweru City Engineer Masauso Store himself. The letter made some serious accusations, claiming that the fearless foursome had insulted and made malicious comments about the city's management, all with the intention of stirring up trouble and causing a ruckus.
The suspension was no slap on the wrist either. The letter cited Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006 Section 4 (a) and other disciplinary laws as the basis for the harsh punishment. It seems that the city officials didn't take kindly to being called out on a WhatsApp group, especially when the aim was apparently to incite violence.
But let's not forget the bigger picture here. Richard Longwe and Mary Svinurai, two hardworking city employees, lost their lives on November 6, 2024, while doing their job. They suffocated in a manhole, all because they weren't given the proper protective gear and were allegedly not following the right procedures. It's a tragic reminder of the dangers that these workers face every day, and the importance of ensuring their safety on the job.
The hammer came down in the form of a letter dated November 13, 2024, signed by none other than Gweru City Engineer Masauso Store himself. The letter made some serious accusations, claiming that the fearless foursome had insulted and made malicious comments about the city's management, all with the intention of stirring up trouble and causing a ruckus.
The suspension was no slap on the wrist either. The letter cited Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006 Section 4 (a) and other disciplinary laws as the basis for the harsh punishment. It seems that the city officials didn't take kindly to being called out on a WhatsApp group, especially when the aim was apparently to incite violence.
But let's not forget the bigger picture here. Richard Longwe and Mary Svinurai, two hardworking city employees, lost their lives on November 6, 2024, while doing their job. They suffocated in a manhole, all because they weren't given the proper protective gear and were allegedly not following the right procedures. It's a tragic reminder of the dangers that these workers face every day, and the importance of ensuring their safety on the job.
