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Lawyer flags Bosso CEO's suspension as unfair
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A senior legal practitioner has advised Highlanders FC to urgently reverse the verbal suspension of its chief executive, Denzil Mnkandla, warning that the move may constitute an unfair labour practice.
In an opinion letter dated April 10, 2026, Nqobani Sithole, senior partner at Sithole Law Chambers, said the club's decision to suspend Mnkandla verbally on April 7 was procedurally flawed and exposed the institution to legal risk.
Sithole noted that the suspension was carried out without formal charges, prior notice, or an opportunity for Mnkandla to respond, raising concerns about compliance with basic labour law principles.
"Based on the facts provided, it is my legal opinion that the verbal suspension of Denzil Mnkandla was likely improper and constitutes an unfair labour practice," Sithole wrote.
The legal opinion further highlighted that precautionary suspensions must meet specific standards, including justification, due process and consideration of alternatives - requirements that were not satisfied in this case.
According to Sithole, the club did not demonstrate that Mnkandla's continued presence at work would interfere with any investigations, nor did it explore less severe measures before imposing the suspension.
He emphasised that suspension should be used as a last resort rather than an automatic response, adding that investigations into any allegations could proceed without sidelining the CEO.
The lawyer warned that failure to withdraw the suspension could result in Mnkandla approaching a labour tribunal, potentially citing unfair labour practices or even constructive dismissal if the action is deemed a material breach of contract.
"If the suspension is viewed as a material breach of his contract, then Denzil Mnkandla may resign and claim constructive dismissal," Sithole cautioned.
The development adds to growing tensions within Highlanders, one of Zimbabwe's most prominent football clubs, as governance and administrative decisions increasingly come under scrutiny.
In an opinion letter dated April 10, 2026, Nqobani Sithole, senior partner at Sithole Law Chambers, said the club's decision to suspend Mnkandla verbally on April 7 was procedurally flawed and exposed the institution to legal risk.
Sithole noted that the suspension was carried out without formal charges, prior notice, or an opportunity for Mnkandla to respond, raising concerns about compliance with basic labour law principles.
"Based on the facts provided, it is my legal opinion that the verbal suspension of Denzil Mnkandla was likely improper and constitutes an unfair labour practice," Sithole wrote.
The legal opinion further highlighted that precautionary suspensions must meet specific standards, including justification, due process and consideration of alternatives - requirements that were not satisfied in this case.
According to Sithole, the club did not demonstrate that Mnkandla's continued presence at work would interfere with any investigations, nor did it explore less severe measures before imposing the suspension.
He emphasised that suspension should be used as a last resort rather than an automatic response, adding that investigations into any allegations could proceed without sidelining the CEO.
The lawyer warned that failure to withdraw the suspension could result in Mnkandla approaching a labour tribunal, potentially citing unfair labour practices or even constructive dismissal if the action is deemed a material breach of contract.
"If the suspension is viewed as a material breach of his contract, then Denzil Mnkandla may resign and claim constructive dismissal," Sithole cautioned.
The development adds to growing tensions within Highlanders, one of Zimbabwe's most prominent football clubs, as governance and administrative decisions increasingly come under scrutiny.
Source - Byo24News
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