Pakistani native appeals to Justice Minister for help
With nowhere left to turn, a former Director at one of Botswana’s biggest textile companies, Javeria Garments, has sent a desperate SOS to Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, to intervene in his bitter battle with his ex-employers.
75-year-old Amanullah Khan Bangash worked for the company for over two decades, including 15 years managing the Francistown branch.
He was also instrumental in opening further branches in Harare and Lusaka.
Things took a painful turn on 8th March, 2017 when Bangash crashed into a donkey while travelling to Serowe on a business trip. His Toyota Corolla overturned, leaving the pensioner with serious injuries and unable to work anymore.
“I fractured my left clavicle and my right side was also affected, leaving me in need of round-the-clock medical attention,” recalls the Pakistani national, who to this day walks with a heavy limp.
A little over a month after the accident, on 19th April, 2017, the Labour Office awarded Bangash P72,000 as Workman’s Compensation to be paid by his former employers.
Six years later, the old and sickly man is yet to receive his dues.
In April, he shared his tale of woe with The Voice (Above the Law) in an emotional and heartfelt interview.
Bangash revealed he had repeatedly complained to the police, Labour Office and Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to no avail.
“Javeria Directors are simply ignoring the order,” he grumbled.
In one of his responses to Bangash, DPP Deputy Director, Oteng Thamuku, admitted their attempts to get the police to bring the Javeria bigwigs to court had failed. He explained the DPP can only act once they receive a response from the police.
“The police have failed to bring the Javeria Directors before a Magistrate. I wonder if they’re above the law?” queried Bangash in the April interview.
Five months later, and with no progress in the matter, the old man is turning to government for help.
“I can’t do this anymore. If the police and the DPP can’t help me, maybe I should ask the Honorable Minister to help me. He’s my only hope,” he said.
In a letter addressed to Minister Mmusi and dated 5th September, Bangash points an accusing finger at the cops for failing to bring the Javeria Directors to court.
“They have been summoned countless times, but the police have never acted,” he explains in the letter.
“Sir, I’m very much stressed. I’m 75 years old, my legs don’t permit me to go from department to department fighting this matter. I’m about to give up and believe I’ll never get my money, which I need for my medical attention. I don’t understand why the police and other government departments have a soft spot for these Chinese and Pakistani Directors. I need your help,” begged Bangash in his impassioned plea.
Javeria has nine directors, including its founder, Kassim Imran Mohammed, who owns a 25 percent stake in the company and is currently based in Sandton, South Africa.
