Zimbabwe: Supreme Court Reinstates PetroZim GM's Dismissal, Slams Labour Court Ruling As 'Irrational'

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court has restored the dismissal of former PetroZim Line general manager Catherine Katsande, overturning a Labour Court ruling that had ordered her reinstatement or compensation. According to New Zimbabwe via AllAfrica, the case was heard in Harare by a three-judge bench led by Justices Lewid Mathonsi, Samuel Kudya and Jacob Mafusire. The court allowed PetroZim’s appeal with costs and said the Labour Court had been wrong to interfere with the disciplinary findings.

The dispute centred on misconduct allegations tied to Katsande’s dealings with supplier Kaltrade. The Supreme Court said the disciplinary authority had found her guilty on several counts, including failures in contract management, advance payments without security, and approving purchases and payments connected to equipment and project work. It also referred to accusations that she did not keep PetroZim’s board properly informed about operational problems, including reduced ethanol production capacity.

In its reasoning, the Supreme Court said the Labour Court had not properly examined the evidence and had treated the earlier decision as irrational without sufficient basis. It accepted that the disciplinary body had considered the evidence in detail, acquitting Katsande on some allegations while upholding others. The court also rejected arguments that the employer lacked authority to dismiss her under the relevant employment code.

The ruling matters because it reinforces the limits on appellate interference in workplace disciplinary decisions and underscores the accountability expected of senior executives in state-linked or large commercial companies. The report was published by New Zimbabwe and distributed by AllAfrica.