Mugabe's son risks losing mine over salaries and wage debt

FIRST LADY Grace Mugabe's son, Russell Goreraza, who was involved in the hostile takeover of the gold rich Tolrose Investment Mine from businessman Jameson Rushwaya, now risks losing the mine over a salaries and wage debt.

Movable plant and equipment risks being attached following a High Court order granted on January 24 to attach property over unpaid salaries and wages totalling $339 782.

The order was registered under HC7622/13 following an arbitral award sought and granted on behalf of the workers by the National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ) led by Tinashe Mugwira.

"The arbitration award made by arbitrator MT Magureyi be and is hereby registered as an order of this court. Respondent pays applicants $339 78," reads part of the court order.

Mugwira said his union was thrilled that the award had finally been registered and workers would now move to recover their salaries withheld by the employer for over a year.

"Our members had been reduced to mere paupers while some had been hounded out of work both by the previous owner (Rushwaya) and new owner (Goreraza).

"This order breathes life into their fight and we are optimistic that it will change their lives for the better," said Mugwira.

NMWUZ said it would immediately ask the deputy sheriff to enforce the order because the mine faced collapse due to poor management and looting.

"Since the takeover of the mine, workers have reported serious looting of equipment and lack of investment so we will ensure that the order is acted upon immediately," he said.