Masvingo, Zimbabwe | A pall of tragedy has descended upon Masimba Holdings, marked by two fatal incidents occurring mere days apart. The recent events have cast a critical light on the company’s response, particularly its perceived efforts to distance itself from the unfolding crisis and its apparent failure to provide adequate support to its employees.
The initial tragedy unfolded on a Monday, when a Masimba Construction spinner truck operator was accused of inadvertently causing the death of a colleague who was cleaning inside the concrete mixer. This grave incident, which claimed the life of Willington Dube, reportedly placed immense pressure on the accused operator, Emmanuel Tachiona Chihanga (37).
Just four days later, the dark cloud over Masimba deepened with the shocking news of Chihanga’s suicide. Sources indicate that Chihanga, overwhelmed by the burden of responsibility for Dube’s death, left a suicide note expressing his distress. He reportedly took his own life on Saturday morning by deliberately stepping in front of a moving Toyota GD6 along the Masvingo-Harare Highway near Gokomere.
The driver of the vehicle, after an initial attempt to swerve, proceeded to Mushagashe Tollgate to report the incident. Tragically, Chihanga, having survived the first attempt, then jumped in front of another oncoming vehicle, which resulted in his death.
In the wake of these devastating events, Masimba Holdings’ public statements have drawn attention for their seemingly detached and deflecting tone. Masvingo Deputy Police spokesperson Masauso Patinyu confirmed the road accident involving Chihanga, providing details of the incident. However, it was the statement from Masimba Holdings public relations officer, Pearl Mutiti, that underscored the company’s posture.
Mutiti confirmed Chihanga’s employment with Masimba Holdings but declined to comment on the accident itself, asserting that it “did not take place at the workplace and Police was therefore best placed to give details.” This statement, while factually accurate regarding the location of Chihanga’s death, conspicuously avoids addressing the underlying pressures and the direct link to the prior workplace fatality that evidently led to Chihanga’s despair.
Mutiti further stated, “We are aware of the accident and can confirm that the late was employed by Masimba Holdings. However, as this was not a work-related incident, Police are best placed to provide further details.” This reiteration of the non-work-related nature of Chihanga’s suicide, particularly in light of the preceding workplace death and the reported suicide note, suggests a deliberate effort by Masimba Holdings to externalize responsibility and minimize any perceived corporate culpability.
The absence of any mention of internal investigations, support for affected employees, or counseling services following the initial fatal incident involving Willington Dube, further underscores a potential failure in corporate duty of care.
The narrative presented by Masimba Holdings, through its public relations officer, appears to be an attempt to compartmentalize these tragedies, treating Chihanga’s suicide as an isolated event rather than a tragic consequence potentially exacerbated by the pressures stemming from the earlier workplace accident and a lack of institutional support.
This approach raises significant questions about the company’s commitment to employee well-being and its willingness to acknowledge the broader impact of workplace incidents on its personnel.
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