Retirees association sued over benefits

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 12:14:51 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

CONFUSION has rocked the Voluntary Separatees Association of Zambia (VSAZ) as former general secretary Simemeza Syachoke has sued the association for failing to pay him over K53 million after he was forced to resign following a leadership struggle.

Meanwhile, over 3000 retirees have detached themselves from the association and have given notice of termination of legal services to the institutional lawyer Messrs Malipenga & Company.

According to a statement of claim filed in the High Court, Mr. Syachoke is demanding for his full package as provided for in both the association’s constitution and terms and conditions entitled to a general secretary.

Among many otherdemands, Mr. Syachoke is asking for full payment amounting to K540,000 for all outstanding salary arrears, K288,000 for leave days commutation, and K105, 000 as his gratuity.

Other demands include night allowances arrears, stationary monies, equipment buy-out and personal monies which the association used and that the association itself, or through any of its agents, be restrained from harassing, intimidating, or interfering with him until the matter is concluded.

“The plaintiff claims for fuel allowances from December 9, 2016 to December 26, 2017 at the rate of K25, 000 per month, totalling K300, 000 and house rental arrears for 12 months at the rate of K12, 000 per month totalling K144, 000. The plaintiff is also claiming an attachment of 10 percent and K100s annual subscription fees paid into court to the conclusion of these proceedings since the defendants have no other sellable assets to offset the sum claimed,” the statement reads in part.

Meanwhile, over 3000 retirees have parted company with their lawyer Messrs Malipenga & Company over the manner he has handled the impasse at the association, the computation of his legal fees over their previous chunk of terminal benefits.

In a letter dated January 25, 2018 addressed to the association lawyer and signed by Mr. Syachoke, the retirees say they will soon effect a notice of change of advocates in court over the remaining court cases which were initiated by the former secretary general.