ZAWA workers demand K3m refund

MORE than 100 employees of Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) have sued their employer through Attorney General Likando Kalaluka demanding a refund of K3, 033, 721 which was allegedly deducted from their salaries purporting that it was for insurance.

According to a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Medson Mtonga and 100 others claimed that in 2007, ZAWA entered into an agreement with Professional Life Insurance Company on their behalf.

“The defendant’s agent caused a monthly deduction from the plaintiff’s salaries to which the agent was to add an equivalent sum and remit it to the insurance company as premiums,” read the claim.

The employees, however, claimed that the authority did not remit the said premiums for three years.

They now want the court to order payment of K3, 033, 721.04, interest at current bank rates, legal cost and any other reliefs that the court may deem fit. In a related development, a former Gynaecologist at Maina Soko Military Hospital has sued the State through Attorney General in the Lusaka High Court over alleged unfair dismissal. Ogly Chiboma claimed that he was employed in the defence forces under the Zambia Army as a commissioned officer holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He wants the court to order an unconditional re-instatement into the army at the rank he would have been, had he not been unfairly dismissed as alleged.

Mr Chiboma is also seeking damages, interest, costs and any other reliefs that the court may deem fit.