On Friday, we published an article initially published by New Zimbabwe which alleged that two security guards working for Zimcan Security (PVT) Ltd had been convicted of theft after stealing from vehicles they were guarding.
The article indicates that the duo, Silas Choga and Beloved Magandure, both from Masvingo were employed by Zimcan Security Company and posted to guard the VID premises on the night of June 14 when they connived and stole two spare wheels worth US$260 from vehicles that were parked within the yard.
They were apprehended by another guard, Grey Gwite who was manning a neighbouring premise who took them to Chikato Police Station after he caught them trying to escape with the wheels.
Choga is expected to perform 174 hours of community service at Sarawapata Secondary School in place of spending five months in prison while his accomplice, Magandure, was fined $600 or alternatively 60 days in prison.
We got in touch with Mr Philimon Nhema, the General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Security Guards Union, a registered union in terms of the Labour Act to represent all security guards in Zimbabwe, who condemned the unbecoming behaviour of the duo.
Responding to Pindula News’ emailed questions, Nhema added:
It’s very disturbing to hear such bad news allegedly done by the two security guards, however, there are a number of factors which resulted in these officers commit this offence.
To put the record straight, the company called Zimcan Security is the main culprit resulting in the two guards to commit the offence.
The company had no employees at heart, as a union we are faced with a number of cases from this company for lack of responsibility.
They don’t pay their employees… These employees at Zimcan take up to 6 to 12 months without a salary.
We have been pushing for thorough dialogue and thorough prosecution, we have a number of cases before the courts. Zimcan just ignores our demands and these demands are before the courts.
He also claimed that Zimcan workers were still being paid less than ZWL$1000.00 which is far below the gazetted ZWL$2 549.74.
We could not get a response from the Director of Zimcan, Mr Tonderai Kadzima as our calls were not being picked.