GOVERNMENT MOVES TO REVOKE ZAMFRESH SUPERVISORS’ WORK PERMITS.

GOVERNMENT MOVES TO REVOKE ZAMFRESH SUPERVISORS’ WORK PERMITS.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced that it will recommend the immediate cancellation of work permits for two Chinese supervisors at Zamfresh following allegations that they assaulted a female employee at the workplace.

In a statement released on March 3, 2026, the Ministry said the decision follows inspections carried out by Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa. Preliminary findings show that the employee was allegedly indecently assaulted as the supervisors tried to stop her from leaving the office over suspected theft.

The Ministry stated that Zambia’s commitment to ending violence and harassment at work is strengthened by its ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention 190. The Convention requires governments to ensure that workplaces are free from abuse, violence and harassment. The Ministry emphasized that all foreign workers in Zambia must follow the country’s labour laws.

Employers have been advised to follow proper grievance and disciplinary procedures when handling workplace misconduct, warning that taking the law into their own hands is a serious offence that may lead to legal and administrative action.

In a separate development, the Ministry fined Sunshare Group of Companies K160,000 for failing to provide written contracts and pay slips to employees, giving the company two weeks to settle the penalty. Operations at Sunshare Investments’ old factory have also been suspended due to failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The company has been ordered to comply with labour standards, settle salary arrears, and improve working conditions by March 6, 2026.

The Ministry assured workers that their safety and rights remain a priority and pledged continued enforcement of labour laws.