Workers attach minister’s property
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
Sunday, 17 April 2011 09:24
BY JENNIFER DUBE
EMPLOYEES at a company where Youth Development, Indigenisation and
Empowerment minister Saviour Kasukuwere is a partner have seized property
worth US$63 440 to recover their overdue salaries.
The UTc Victoria Falls workers attached the property with the help of the
Deputy Sherriff after obtaining a High Court order against the destination
management company.
The company is said to have been struggling to pay workers since 2009
resulting in the wrangle spilling into the courts.
The High Court ordered UTc to surrender property worth US$57 427 and pay
other costs related to execution of goods, which saw the total figure
ballooning toUS $63 440.
Company vehicles, trailers, boats, furniture including desks and chairs,
fridges, computers, printers and even mailing trays were all expected to be
attached to compensate 26 non-managerial employees who staged the legal
battle.
Court documents show that UTc is facing serious cash-flow problems.
The company is part of the United Touring Group (UTG) Zimbabwe, formerly
owned by United Touring International based in the UK.
Non-managerial employees last year approached the High Court over unpaid
wages and salaries stating that the company completely stopped paying them
in September 2009 after they were forced to take 50% salary cuts at the
beginning of the year.
Kasukuwere and his partners used a loan from Barclays to buy UTc from
business tycoon Ketan Somaia.