Some of the evicted former Redwing Mine employees
Nashe Mahachi
MUTARE – Some 87 former Redwing Mine employees and their families have become destitute over night after they were evicted from the company houses in which they have been living for years.
Workers who spoke to TellZim News said that their properties were damaged to prolonged exposure outdoors.
One former worker in Liverpool area who declined to be named said he was shocked when he returned home to discover that his family was outside with their belongings.
“They just came and threw us out and locked the doors. Now we are sleeping on the verandahs. These people are heartless. They do not even care about our welfare and the number of years we have served here.
“The company used to deduct money which they said they will buy us houses when we retire. Nothing was done,” the employee said.
“It is so sad. We have been working here for years. I’m a foreigner. I came to Zimbabwe 40 years ago. All my children were born while I was here. The bosses at the mine told us that we will get houses upon retiring. Now they are telling us to vacate the houses. I have nowhere to go,” said another worker of Malawian origin.
Public Relations manager at Redwing Mine, Ranga Mberi said he was not aware of any housing schemes and contributions that may have been entered into between the former workers and the company.
“Metallon Corporation follows all legal due processes in treatment of staff that leave the company. Metallon and all its subsidiaries including Redwing Mine take seriously its obligations to current or former members of staff.
“All necessary steps including due notice and provision of other assistance have been taken prior to retired members of staff departing from company accommodation.
“Metallon Corporation is not accountable for any housing schemes and contributions that may have been entered into between the former members of staff and any third parties.
“Metallon is confident that Redwing Mine met all its obligations and management remains available to dialogue with former employee on any issue if required,” said Mberi.local
