Zimpapers Logo

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
FORMER PG Industries (Zimbabwe) Limited marketing director Nkululeko Mabhena yesterday attempted to commit suicide by drinking poison at the company’s Bulawayo premises, allegedly in protest over his employer’s reluctance to pay him salary and benefits dating back 16 years. Sources at the company said Mabhena — a former Highlanders Football Club secretary general – left four suicide notes addressed to his mother, PG operations director James Banda, the chief executive officer Hillary Munyati and the group human resources officer Caroline Mapupu.

Mabhena allegedly drank poison at about 3AM yesterday after being frustrated by his employer over the money. He reportedly drove to the company premises and drank the poison while sitting in his branded company car. The vehicle was part of the retrenchment package given to Mabhena.

A security guard alerted one of the branch managers who rushed to the scene and phoned the police before taking Mabhena to the United Bulawayo Hospitals. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said Mabhena was in a stable condition and investigations were underway.

Mabhena and his employer have been embroiled in a protracted legal wrangle over his retrenchment. The legal battle started in 1999 when Mabhena fell ill and was at one time certified dead twice by doctors at Mater Dei Hospital only to “come back to life” to find PG Industries having paid his funeral expenses.

He filed a $73 million lawsuit at the High Court after his former employer reportedly failed to follow due process in retrenching him. Mabhena was reinstated to his post of marketing director in May this year by the late Justice Andrew Mutema. Industries head of marketing and spokesperson Raymond Chipangura yesterday said the company did not owe Mabhena anything.

“Mabhena was retrenched by the company last year and according to the retrenchment guided by ministerial approval, he is not owed any money by PG Industries.

“He, however, challenged the ministerial determination and the matter is still pending in court. As far as PG is concerned, he was paid his money in full. We’re deeply saddened by this development and wish him a speedy recovery. I would like to complement the speedy action taken by PG staff at our Bulawayo branch in ensuring that Mabhena received medical attention,” said Chipangura.

He declined to reveal the amount of money being demanded by Mabhena, saying the issue was before the courts. Chipangura also refused to disclose the contents of Mabhena’s suicide notes saying: “Mr Mabhena is alive and it would be insensitive to disclose such information.”