The President of the Apostolic Faith Church (AFM) Asapher Madziyire and his business partner, deputy Energy minister Hubert Nyanhongo, stand accused of failing to pay their security workers manning Chiadzwa diamonds fields.

National Eye Security employees guarding the premises claim they have gone for four months without pay.

The workers told RelZim that Nyanhongo, who is a Zanu PF parliamentary candidate and Madziyire co-owners of National Eye Security, is more interested in pursuing political interests at the expense of the workers’ welfare.

Representatives of the 300 guards employed to guard Marange Diamonds fields claim they have not received a dime from their $360 net salaries since March this year.

This is despite the fact the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) which co-runs Marange Resources is up to date with the company’s contract.

“I have spoken to Obert Dube (Marange Resources managing director) and he told me they do not owe the company anything,” Goodwills Masimirembwa chairperson of the ZMDC said.

Employees who narrated their ordeal to the Relzim said the Zanu PF MP candidate for Nyanga North Nyanhongo is ignorant of their plight and the company’s managerial personnel kicks out anyone who dares ask for a pay cheque.

“We are working under terrible conditions. Outside the pay arrears, our cell phones are stored in a locker for the twenty days each time we are on duty; we only get them back when we are leaving the barrack for off.

“Those in prisons are eating better than us. 10 people are made to share a loaf of bread that is sold at $1 for three in Birchenough Bridge. We do not understand why Marange is not intervening for the sake of their company’s reputation,” said one guard—donning a worn out uniform— who has been working for the company since 2011.

“We work 24 hours a day until we go for off, no protective clothing and we sometimes. This may end up forcing people to steal from the very company they are supposed to guard. Due to lack of appropriate defensive equipment, we are sometimes brutally attacked by gweja’s, treatment bills are still borne by us,” another said.

When contacted for comment Nyanhongo professed ignorance.

“Aah wakatanga rinhi kutaura neni iwewe? Ndiri mumeeting (When did you start talking to me? I am in a meeting) I will call you,” said Nyanhongo before he dropped the call.

Madziyire also declined to comment saying, “I do not talk to people I do not know, I am in a meeting right now.”