Chinhoyi – A Chinese owned Jiangxi Risheng company has been convicted for under-declaring employee numbers to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), prejudicing the state of close to USD 100 000.00.
Meng Quangyuan, representing Jiangxi Risheng Pvt Ltd located at Detroop Mine in Chikuti, Mashonaland West, appeared at Chinhoyi Magistrate Court and was charged with violating provisions of the NSSA Act [Chapter 17:04].
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) received a tip off that the mining company was declaring only 61 employees to NSSA, despite employing 273 workers.
Investigations conducted by ZACC and NSSA found that Jiangxi Risheng Pvt Limited had 190 permanent employees and 83 contract workers, leading to Meng’s arrest.
It was also established that the company failed to remit mandatory contributions for both the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme and the Accident Prevention and Workers Compensation Scheme amounting to USD 96 914.42.
Meng pleaded guilty to the charge. The company was fined USD 200.00 and ordered to pay outstanding contributions and premiums adding up to USD 96,919.42 within 30 days.
Zimbabwe hosts hundreds of Chinese firms that have interests in mining, retail, agriculture and construction among many other sectors.
The Chinese have been found flouting Zimbabwe laws to the chagrin of ordinary people who feel the Chinese operate above the law with the blessing of top officials in Harare.
Dozens of Chinese nationals face criminal cases at the magistrates courts across Zimbabwe.