The Zambia Police Service has apprehended the General Manager for QEIGHT Trading and Construction Limited, a company involved in logistics and employing several truck drivers, for obstructing Labour inspectors.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Public Relations Officer, Godfrida Chanda, says Vincent Sambo displayed unlawful behaviour in the presence of two union representatives from Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers and Allied Workers and Zambia National Union of Drivers and Allied Workers, during a routine labour inspection on 19th August, 2024, by Labour Inspectors.
“By established procedures, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security reported this unlawful obstruction to the Zambia Police Service, who responded swiftly, resulting in Mr Sambo’s apprehension on Tuesday, 20th August 2024,” Ms. Chanda has said in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
She said the Ministry condemns this illegal act in the strongest terms and reminded all employers that obstructing Labour inspectors in the performance of their duties is a grave offence under Zambian law.
Ms. Chanda also assured the public that the Ministry recognizes the significant challenges faced by truck drivers, particularly those employed by companies that fail to adhere to legal obligations.
“As such, the Government has intensified its efforts by increasing Labour Inspections focused on the transport sector to educate employers on their responsibilities and to enforce the law where violations occur,” said Ms. Chanda.
By Eva Hatontola