NRZ top brass in cash scam

NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe senior management have been accused of  converting non-monetary allowances into cash and pretending they were not getting anything at a time workers have gone for several months without salaries.

This was revealed by disgruntled employees who downed tools at the NRZ headquarters in Bulawayo on Thursday, Sunday News reported.

NRZ board chairman engineer Alvord Mabena confirmed that he had received reports of management abusing the facility of allowances.

"I have been informed that there are some unscrupulous elements in the senior management who are converting the non-monetary allowances into cash. NRZ is instigating thorough investigations and the culprits shall be severely dealt with," Engineer Mabena said.

"NRZ is a public company and people should not guess on issues affecting it. It is the duty of management to inform the world what is happening in the company. That's what transparency is all about," said Engineer Mabena.

Management is said to be allocating themselves as much as $300 fuel allowance and also get school fees and housing allowance although most of them stay in company houses.

NRZ spokesman Mr Fanuel Masikati said management is entitled to allowances.

"I can confirm that management, just like other employees at the parastatal, are entitled to certain privileges according to the positions they hold. However, on allegations of people who convert certain allowances into cash I cannot comment," he said.

Masikati said the company would prioritise the payments of its workers whenever funds were available.