THE Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU), a labour movement aligned to the ruling Zanu PF party, has dissociated itself from a man claiming to be its regional organiser following his arrest for theft of trust property amounting to US$5 100.
The ZFTU has since written to the public prosecutor at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court disowning Pardon Mangena, the suspect arrested for theft of trust property case.
Mangena was arrested last year for allegedly misrepresenting that he is a ZFTU employee.
Baffled by his misrepresentation which was published in the media, ZFTU secretary-general Kenias Shamuyarira wrote the letter to the Bulawayo Magistrates Court distancing his organisation from Mangena.
“The ZFTU is compelled to address recent reports that were published involving Mangena who is falsely claiming to be a regional organiser of our esteemed organisation. Mangena is not part of our organisation and he is not the organising secretary of ZFTU,” Shamuyarira wrote.
“I am the secretary-general of ZFTU. I have authority and personal knowledge of all administrative issues to do with the Federation.
“We categorically state that this individual is not and has never been an employee of ZFTU or any of its affiliate unions in any capacity.
“The actions and claims made by this individual are criminal and violate the principles of the labour centre.”
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He further indicated that Mangena was a “bogus trade union official” who is not featured in any of their records and even in their affiliates records.
“The charges of theft of trust property amounting to US$5 100 before the criminal court and having misrepresented himself as an employee of ZFTU are serious allegations and the trust legal system will handle the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Shamuyarira said.
“ZFTU and its affiliates are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. We take these allegations seriously and condemn any action that tarnishes the image and reputation of unionism in Zimbabwe.
“We believe that this person and those working with him are tarnishing the good name of ZFTU as we do not have foot soldiers with that name.
“We urge workers and the public to disregard any statements or action by this individual and those working with him.”
Prosecutors had not yet responded and the union yesterday indicated that the purpose of its letter was not to see a response, but to clear its name and this would assist the prosecutors and the court in dealing with the accused and the case.
