Union leader claims assault by managers

Innocent Selatlhwa | Wednesday November 18, 2015 15:19

He said that he was seeking recognition as a representative of the company’s employees.

The haulage company’s managers have denied the claim.

According to Panye, the union had registered 43 of the 115 employees of the company, meeting the one-third sign-up of workers required for a company to officially recognise a union.

Panye told Mmegi that when he arrived at the premises, general manager Kevin Lees snatched away the application for recognition letter that the unionist had prepared together with forms that had been filled by employees.

Panye said Lees then called him into an office where two other men were waiting.

“I went into the office where two furious white men stood together with the operations manager, Tshidiso Moroka,” said Panye.

“They crumpled up the documents and threw them into the dustbin. They asked me what I had brought and why I had come to their office without their consent.”

Panye said after he responded that he was within his rights in Botswana, one of the men twisted his arm while the other started punching him.  Panye said the men then kicked him out and threatened to kill him if he ever tried to return to their premises.

The labour leader said workers at the company were eager to unionise as they claimed harassment and oppression at the hands of their employers.  Workers are also reportedly unhappy with conditions at the company and the hygiene standards.

Contacted for comment, Lees denied ever assaulting Panye.

“He came here without appointing and we advised him to appoint and come back,” Lees said.

“However, he insisted that we sign his papers, but we refused saying we cannot sign things we have not seen and that we were not obliged by the law.”

Lees said nothing resembling a fight or an assault took place. Instead, the general manager said as Panye was leaving, the unionist insulted him.

“I also did not threaten to kill him.  If I had, the police would have come for me already. I am ready to defend myself in any forum,” Lees said.

Quizzed as to whether he was against his employees unionising, Lees said he was not and would give Panye audience if a proper appointment was made.

For his part, Moroka also denied witnessing an assault on Panye.

Superintendent, Agreement Mapeu of Gaborone West Police Station confirmed that Panye had opened a case of assault.

“It has since been referred to Old Naledi Police Station,” he said.