A retired National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employee has approached the High Court seeking an order to compel the parastatal to pay him his salary arrears of $21 112.
BY SILAS NKALA
According to the court papers, Peter Mvemve, who is represented by Emmanuel Mlalazi, was employed by NRZ as an audit officer responsible for special investigations until his retirement in January this year after more than 29 years of service.
“On his retirement he was owed $26 959, 10 broken down as follows; Unbanked/parked salary $10 778, 63, salary arrears for nine months inclusive of pay in lieu of leave $15 515, 47 and refund of fees $665, 00,” Mvemve’s lawyer said.
Mlalazi said in November last year Mvemve wrote a letter to an NRZ human resources manager proposing a payment plan for his salary arrears.
The manager is reported to have acknowledged the $26 959,10 claim, but suggested a payment plan saying the parastatal could not afford a once-off settlement owing to financial challenges.
“Since the service of the letter, the defendant has made part payment where a balance of $21 112, 77 has remained outstanding despite the demand,” Mlalazi said.
He also wants NRZ to pay interest at the rate of 5% per annum from January this year.
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However, the parastatal through its lawyer Daniel Chikwayi, opposed the application arguing Mvemve was not entitled to the payment since there was no written agreement on the settlement of the salary arrears.
Chikwayi urged the court to dismiss the application with costs and High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo reserved judgment.