FORMER PG Industries marketing director Nkululeko Mabhena last week filed a contempt of court application against PG Industries for failing to reinstate him and produce accounts of his salary and benefits contrary to orders granted by the Bulawayo High Court.
RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR COURT REPORTER Mabhena is also seeking to bar PG Industries from being heard in court until they fully purge their contempt. PG Industries Zimbabwe Limited, PG Zimboard Products (Pvt) Ltd, PG Industries Zimbabwe Limited Group chief executive officer James Banda were cited first, second, third and fourth defendants.
“The refusal by Mawere and Sibanda Legal Practitioners to have second respondent (PG Zimboard) produce the accounts is pure contempt of court. Their letter of June 2012 is evidence of contempt of court order HB25/2007 and these lawyers think they can survive as unruly horses galloping on the field of labour law without sanctions,” Mabhena said.
“The announcement by Mawere and Sibanda Legal Practitioners that first (PG Industries Zimbabwe) and second respondents no longer have any obligations towards me is evidence of contempt of court. The first, second, third fourth respondents are prepared to ‘comply’ with a fraudulent ‘retrenchment’ issued by Fanuel Francis Mafuratidze (chairman of Retrenchment Board), but brazenly defy all court orders of this honourable court.”
His application comes a week after filing a fresh $71 million lawsuit against the glass maker for damages he suffered for the past 16 years due to loss of employment and the pain he endured due to the “fraudulent” manner in which his employer dealt with his case.
Mabhena is also suing the company for $73 million in salary arrears and benefits.
He is challenging his compulsory retrenchment, arguing that PG Industries should explain who his real employer was as the company suspended him for insubordination last year and a hearing had not been conducted.
