Zamfresh Supervisors to Have Work Permits Revoked Over Alleged Assault
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced it will recommend the immediate revocation of work permits for two Chinese supervisors at Zamfresh, following allegations of workplace violence involving a female employee.
The decision follows inspections conducted by Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa, which revealed preliminary evidence of indecent assault. The supervisors are alleged to have manhandled the employee while attempting to restrain her over accusations of theft.
The Ministry said the incident represents a serious breach of Zambia’s labour laws and international commitments, particularly under International Labour Organization Convention 190, which Zambia has ratified. The convention commits governments to eliminating violence, abuse and harassment in the world of work.
“Foreign nationals working in Zambia are equally bound by the country’s labour laws and international obligations,” the Ministry said, stressing that violence and harassment in the workplace will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Ministry further cautioned employers against taking the law into their own hands when addressing alleged misconduct. It emphasised that established grievance-handling and disciplinary procedures must always be followed, warning that violations may attract both administrative and legal consequences. Such breaches, it noted, could also expose the country to international censure for failing to protect workers’ rights.
Employers and employees have been urged to utilise social dialogue mechanisms in resolving disputes, including engagement between management, workers and, where applicable, trade unions, which the Ministry described as essential to stable industrial relations.
In a related development, the Ministry has fined Sunshare Group of Companies K160,000 for failing to issue written employment contracts and payslips to its workers. The company has been given a two-week ultimatum to settle the penalty.
Operations at Sunshare Investments’ old factory have also been suspended due to failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees. The suspension will remain in effect until full compliance with occupational safety and health standards is achieved.
Additionally, the company has been ordered to immediately issue written contracts to all employees, clear salary arrears arising from non-compliance with minimum wage regulations, ensure salaries are paid electronically in line with statutory requirements, and improve sanitary working conditions identified during inspections by Friday, 6 March 2026.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ safety, dignity and rights, while assuring compliant employers of continued support through guidance, inspections and enforcement where necessary.
The statement was issued by Principal Public Relations Officer Mwaka Ndawa on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
