By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Security Guards Union (ZISEGU) has condemned the Chinese-owned Chaba Mine in Hwange for negligence following the tragic death of a security guard, Lydia Dube (30) who was killed by an elephant while guarding a broken-down crane without adequate protection.

She was deployed alone at night without a firearm and radio communication system. Following the attack she was taken to a hospital in Hwange but was transferred to Bulawayo due to the seriousness of her injuries. She however, died upon admission at Mpilo Hosital in Bulawayo.

Dube’s death has sparked discussions  on working conditions in the private security industry which are largely precarious.  Concern has also been raised by several unions on the manner in which Chinese investors are compromising decent work standards in the country leading to workplace accidents and labour violations.

In a statement, ZISEGU accused the mining company of violating and disregarding local abour laws and the safety and well-being of workers.

“The deployment of the security guard to an animal-infested area without proper protection equipment constitutes a clear violation of labour laws in Zimbabwe. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of their employees in the workplace. The failure by Chaba Mine to provide adequate protection for its worker is not only a breach of labour regulations but also a grave injustice that has resulted in the loss of a valuable life,” reads the statement.

ZISEGU said Dube’s death serves as a reminder for the urgent need for stringent enforcement of labour laws and regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies from occurring in the future.

“ZISEGU calls upon the relevant authorities in Zimbabwe to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the security guard at Chaba Mine. Those found responsible for neglecting their duty to ensure the safety of workers must be held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served, and measures must be implemented to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” said ZISEGU.