Mine manager detains Zesa 'monkey' over power disconnection

A MINE manager in Gwanda has been arrested for allegedly detaining a Zesa employee whom he called a "monkey" for 45 minutes, accusing him of switching off power from his mine.

Makwe Mine manager Vanlee Chigwada, 23, was dragged before Gwanda magistrate Sheila Nazombe on Tuesday.

He was facing charges of unlawfully detaining a Zesa credit controller, Saul Dangirwa, 43, for about 45 minutes after he had switched off electricity at the mine over unpaid bills.

For the State, prosecutor, Jefta Nyikadzinashe, told the court that Chigwada had initially tried to beg Dangirwa not to switch of power to the gold mine saying it would affect production.

"On November 18 this year, at around 7.30pm, the complainant together with a workmate was on a tour of duty when they arrived at Makwe Mine. The complainant talked to the security guard, Itai Gumi, informing him that they were switching off electricity at the mine over unpaid bills," said Nyikadzinashe.

He added: "The complainant was granted permission to enter into the mine premises and while he was inside, the complainant called the accused and gave him a disconnection statement."

Chigwada allegedly became angry, grabbed the statement and threw it away. However, Chigwada's anger did not stop Dangirwa from carrying out his duty.

Nyikadzinashe told the court that Chigwada then called his supervisor on a cellphone and was heard saying; "I am speaking to Zesa monkeys who want to switch off electricity and are failing to understand," at least twice, while Dangirwa proceeded with the disconnection.

Nyikadzinashe said Chigwada then detained Dangirwa detained for about 45 minutes at the mine.

"He only released Dangirwa after he had threatened to report the matter to the police," said Nyikadzinashe. Chigwada pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to January 3, 2014 for trial.