Trade unionist up for kidnapping

THE Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions official in Rusape Naboth Musekiwa was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a local businessman who was accused of refusing to pay terminal benefits to an employee.

Musekiwa (58), who is the ZFTU organising secretary appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Ms Patience Ururu-Madondo for contravening Section 93 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23, which criminalises detention of a person without lawful authority.

Musekiwa, who was a self-actor in court, was released on $100 bail and ordered not to interfere with witnesses and to reside at his Mabvazuva address until finalisation of the matter.

State prosecutor Mrs Moreblessing Tapfumaneyi told the court that Musekiwa kidnapped Pankjkumer Nayee (46), a Rusape retailer accusing him of failing to pay a former employee her leave days.

Mr Nayee was rescued after 45 minutes when he alerted police of his ordeal at Musekiwa’s hands.

“On April 15, 2018 Nayee employed Alice Ngwete as a domestic worker until her resignation on July 10, 2018. Thereafter, Ngwete approached Musekiwa seeking assistance so that she gets paid her leave days.

“On the same day at around 3pm, Musekiwa contacted complainant on his mobile number inviting him to his office. Nayee duly responded to the call by visiting the said offices. Upon arrival at the offices, Nayee entered one of the rooms where he was forcibly ordered to sit down.

“Musekiwa ordered Nayee to pay Ngwete her leave days that time, but he had no money. Accused person persisted demanding the payment at that time or to have the complainant to sign an agreement for a payment plan. The complainant was willing to pay Ngwete her terminal benefits if given enough time.

“Musekiwa detained Nayee for 45 minutes in his office until he was rescued by police who had been called by complainant,” said Mrs Tapfumaneyi.

Ms Madondo postponed the matter to August 7, 2018 for continuation of trial.