ZFTU officials bash Chinese national with a chair

THREE members of the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU) have appeared in court for bashing a Chinese national by pulling his nose after an altercation over workers' salaries.

Joseph Chinotimba was once vice president of the militant ZFTU.

The trio Joseph Chamunorwa 34, Webster Chamunorwa and Francis Mapezani 31, appeared before Mbare magistrate Rebecca Kavhiya facing charges of assaulting Wu Haiyu.

They all denied the allegations citing a defence that it was Wu who in fact assaulted them. Wu told the court that the trio was demanding money from him. "They wanted me to pay my workers US$5 000 each and I told them I could not afford that much," he said.

"The trio attacked me and pulled my nose and I reported the matter to the police. They were saying they wanted to sire a Chinese child with my sister-in law," he said. The State, led by Hilda Varaidzo Huni, alleged that on September 27, at around 9am the trio visited Wu's company, Valez Investments at No. 72 Birmingham Road. It is alleged that Joseph, Webster and Francis were allowed into Wu's office where they discussed salary issues.

Further allegations are that a misunderstanding arose during the discussions between the parties after Wu refused to have his employees be paid through ZFTU but instead opted they be paid through his account. The trio having noted that Wu had refused to bow down to their demand, they then clobbered Wu with a chair.

Joseph further grabbed Wu by the collar before pulling his nose.

Allegations are that the trio went on to assault Wu several times on his body in front of his employees.

Wu was saved by one of his employees Clemence Ndlovu.

Magistrate Kavhiya remanded the trio to February 13 for trial continuation while they will be out of custody.