Axed truckers sue for P120m

Kgosietsile Ngakaagae, who represents the applicants, yesterday told Justice Leatile Dambe that they had agreed with the defence attorney to explore the possibility of settling the matter out of court. The truckers are challenging the decision to fire them in 2016 over alleged petrol theft.

“We have agreed that we should meet and discuss a possibility of a settlement. We also want to narrow down the issues and possibly cut the length of the case if it happens that it goes to trial,” he said. Dambe granted the request in a brief court session. Besides compensation for unfair dismissal, the 34 truckers also demand pay for overtime and gratuities amongst other things. The claims are divided with one with the lowest demand wanting P22,000 and the highest demand being just under P4 million. The amounts are equivalent to their monthly salaries until they reach the retirement age.