Bimha last year recalled and dismissed Brighton Mugarisanwa from his post as a counsellor in Tehran (Iran) for allegedly bringing the government of Zimbabwe into disrepute, but did not follow due disciplinary process.
In recalling Mugarisanwa, Bimha, who is listed as the first respondent, based his decision on newspaper reports in Iran, which suggested that he (Mugarisanwa) picked up street women and took them to his apartment.
The Labour Court ruled in his favour and described his recall as ‘a drastic action’ that would affect his life negatively as this would mean that he would lose diplomatic privileges.
His lawyer argued that the privileges, which include school fees for his children at Gateway School, accommodation and a $5 000 salary, had been withdrawn even before the hearing took place.
Labour Court President Betty Chidziva said a full disciplinary hearing should have been instituted before any action was taken.
Another Labour Court Judge, Custom Kachambwa, ordered the Public Service Commission to pay Mugarisanwa his outstanding salaries and benefits amounting to $55 331.00 with 5% interest and, in the event that the applicant is not reinstated, the PSC shall pay him $149 580.00, legal fees amounting to $6 060, import duty his vehicle and the cost of transporting his property from Tehran.
This is not the first time the Zanu (PF) side of the inclusive government has deliberately ignored orders given by courts, thereby undermining the rule of law. Attorney General Johannes Tomana has also ignored court rulings in several cases.
Post published in: News