Njobo bounces back at RTC

RUSAPE Town Council has appointed its finance director, Mr Solomon Gabaza, as the acting town secretary to replace Mr Joshua Maligwa, but in an unforeseen eventuality, Albert Njobo this week besieged council offices claiming entitlement to the same post.

Mr Njobo was armed with a Labour Court order ordering his reinstatement, after a seven-year sabbatical.

A special full council which hastily convened on Tuesday resolved to appeal against Njobo’s reinstatement.

RTC chairperson, Alderman Amon Chawasarira, said Njobo’s reinstatement would be challenged, adding that Mr Gabaza was appointed to steer the ship until a new council boss was hired.

Ald Chawasarira said Mr Maligwa would leave Rusape at the end of March and was in involved in the hand-over take-over of council assets and responsibilities.

“It is true that Njobo reported for duty on Monday on the basis of a reinstatement order granted by the Labour Court, but council feels that the judge erred in arriving at that decision and our lawyers have appealed against the determination,” said Ald Chawasarira.

“The acting Town Secretary shall be Mr Solomon Gabaza in line with a special full council resolution held on March 17, 2017 which accepted Mr Maligwa’s resignation from council to join the City of Mutare.

“Segregation of duty will not permit Mr Gabaza to assume two posts simultaneously, and council will chose among its competent personnel an acting finance director,” said Ald Chawasarira.

Only two candidates - Mr Fanisen Shuwa (internal auditor) and Mrs Grace Kembo (accountant) - are qualified to assume the post vacated by Mr Gabaza.

Mr Maligwa will also get a golden handshake comprising his official Isuzu truck and cash.

RTC will be compensated $27 000 by Mutare City for that Isuzu truck.

Mr Maligwa has been paying towards the vehicle monthly, as stipulated in his employment contract.

Njobo was fired from employment seven years ago over theft, abuse of office and incompetence charges.