LABOUR MINISTRY TO REVOKE WORK PERMITS OVER ZAMFRESH WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

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Posted by admin on March 3, 2026 at 12:42 AM

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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced plans to recommend the revocation of work permits for two Chinese supervisors at Zamfresh Ltd, following findings that they manhandled and allegedly assaulted a female employee during a workplace dispute.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa led inspections at Zamfresh, with preliminary findings indicating indecent assault of the employee as supervisors attempted to restrain her.

Mr Muntengwa emphasized Zambia’s ratification of ILO Convention 190, which obliges governments to ensure workplaces are free from violence, abuse, and harassment.

“Foreign nationals are equally bound by Zambia’s labour laws, and violations may lead to administrative and legal consequences, including revocation of work permits.” He said.

Employers were reminded to follow grievance handling and disciplinary procedures, as taking the law into one’s own hands breaches labour standards and risks Zambia being cited internationally for rights violations.

The Ministry has charged Sunshare Group of Companies K160,000 for failing to issue written contracts and pay slips to employees.

Operations at Sunshare Investments’ old factory have been suspended due to lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The company has been ordered to Issue written contracts to all employees, pay salary arrears and comply with minimum wage requirements, ensure salaries are paid electronically and improve sanitary working conditions by 6 March 2026.

The Zamfresh case underscores the Ministry’s zero‑tolerance stance on workplace violence, reinforcing protection of employee dignity and rights.

Revocation of work permits sends a strong signal that foreign employers must comply with Zambian labour laws.

Ongoing efforts to enforce occupational safety, fair wages, and contract compliance, strengthening worker protections across industries.