BY JAMES MUTASA

NUMAIZ is set to appeal the dismissal of a Gweru Toyota employee Arthur Musokeri who was fired on allegations of theft or fraud or committing a crime involving dishonesty, a charge initiated from a complaint raised by a client one Onesmas Sithole.  

Musokeri found himself in trouble with his employers after a ‘deal’ with a client failed to materialise. The client then raised a complaint with the garage detailing circumstances that led him to lose out.

‘‘My vehicle was towed to your garage and diagnosed with a faulty injector pump by your foreman, who informed me that he would supply a new pump and fix the issue at a cost of $900. However, I was instructed to make the payment outside the work premise, which raised concerns about the transparency and professionalism at your work place,’’ reads part of Sithole’s complaining letter.

 “I kindly request that the issue be investigated and resolved as a matter of urgency,” Sithole went on, “I trust that AMC Gweru Toyota values its customers and reputation, and l hope to see a swift resolution to restore my confidence in your services”.

Annoyed by Sithole’s allegations, Jabulani Chihlaba, Group Human Resources Manager of Gweru Toyota, summoned Musokeri to a disciplinary hearing on charges of contravening the motor industry code of conduct, statutory instruments 35 of 2001, schedule A, serious offence, clause 3(b)(iv) which is theft or fraud or commits a crime involving dishonesty.

Charges submitted by Chihlaba resulted in the dismissal of Musokeri by the disciplinary committee chaired by a T. Ndongwe.

“After analyzing the facts as presented by the complainant, your defense and your own submissions during cross examination, the disciplinary committee comes up with the following findings, you benefited from the proceeds of corrupt activities by soliciting payment from the client outside office and get spares from supplier of your choice depriving the company of revenue,” stated Ndongwe in the dismissal letter.

‘It is clear that you abused the mutual trust that exists between the two parties to the employment relationship which justify dismissal even if it is your first offence,’ ruled Ndongwe.

Meanwhile the National Union of Metal and Allied Industries in Zimbabwe (NUMAIZ), is appealing Musokeri’s dismissal. The union submits that the initial complaint by the client had been withdrawn.   was unfair considering that Sithole had withdrawn his allegations.

‘I am writing to formally withdraw the case l previously raised concerning the disappointment and concern regarding the repair work carried out on my Toyota Fortuner at your AMC Gweru Toyota branch. Upon further consideration and additional information, I have decided to close this matter. I appreciate your attention to the issue and your efforts in resolving any concerns l had. Should l have further questions or issues in the future, l will not hesitate to reach out,’ reads Sithole’s withdrawal letter.

‘We will challenge the unfair dismissal,’ said Patrick Gambiza NUMAIZ vice president.