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State agents accused of bashing workers at Zambezi Gas
01 Jun 2026 at 18:39hrs |
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The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union) and the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (Centre for Natural Resource Governance) have accused suspected State security agents of brutally assaulting workers at Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe in Hwange, leaving several employees injured.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, the organisations said workers were attacked on the night of May 27 after management accused them of siphoning diesel from equipment at the coal mining and coalbed methane exploration company.
They alleged that instead of involving law enforcement, company management reportedly called in security agents who then carried out violent assaults on employees.
"Workers should never be subjected to violence, torture, or degrading treatment under any circumstances," the statement read.
The organisations said at least two security guards sustained serious injuries during the incident, while several drivers were also allegedly assaulted. They further claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past, including an alleged case last year in which a worker suffered a broken leg during a crackdown.
The groups also raised concerns over working conditions at the company, citing reports of poor sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, inadequate safety equipment, and unequal living conditions between junior and senior staff.
They further alleged unfair labour practices, including claims that management had influenced the formation of a union within the workplace, which they argue could undermine workers' independence and collective bargaining rights.
"A union must exist to defend workers, not to shield abusive employers," the statement said.
The organisations have called for an independent investigation into the alleged assault and urged authorities, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the National Social Security Authority (National Social Security Authority), and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to intervene.
They also demanded urgent medical assistance for injured workers and protection against intimidation or retaliation.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, the organisations said workers were attacked on the night of May 27 after management accused them of siphoning diesel from equipment at the coal mining and coalbed methane exploration company.
They alleged that instead of involving law enforcement, company management reportedly called in security agents who then carried out violent assaults on employees.
"Workers should never be subjected to violence, torture, or degrading treatment under any circumstances," the statement read.
The organisations said at least two security guards sustained serious injuries during the incident, while several drivers were also allegedly assaulted. They further claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past, including an alleged case last year in which a worker suffered a broken leg during a crackdown.
They further alleged unfair labour practices, including claims that management had influenced the formation of a union within the workplace, which they argue could undermine workers' independence and collective bargaining rights.
"A union must exist to defend workers, not to shield abusive employers," the statement said.
The organisations have called for an independent investigation into the alleged assault and urged authorities, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the National Social Security Authority (National Social Security Authority), and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to intervene.
They also demanded urgent medical assistance for injured workers and protection against intimidation or retaliation.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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