In a landmark victory, Christopher Rufaro Mashaire, a former Lobels Bread Electrical Foreman, has been reinstated after a four-year battle with his former employer. The Labour Court ruled that Mashaire’s dismissal was procedurally flawed and substantively unfair, citing the company’s failure to provide a fair hearing and consider mitigating factors.

Mashaire was accused of gross incompetence and negligence after a technical failure led to the loss of over 35,000 loaves of bread, valued at ZW$5 million. However, Justice Bridget Chivizhe found that the disciplinary process was marred by irregularities and lacked fairness. The court also noted that the company relied on unsubstantiated claims regarding Mashaire’s alleged incompetence and failed to demonstrate gross inefficiency on his part.

The court emphasized the importance of procedural integrity and proportionality in workplace disciplinary actions. Justice Chivizhe stated that “even at the shop floor level, a party ought to be given the opportunity to ask questions and test the evidence.” The ruling sets a precedent for labour rights protections in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for employers to observe procedural fairness and due process.

Mashaire, who served Lobels Bread for 17 years, will be reinstated with full benefits and back pay. The court’s decision underscores the growing insistence on fair treatment for workers, even in industries under pressure from economic and technical challenges.

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