Zim government cancels work permit for Telecel MD

The Zimbabwe government has cancelled the two year work permit issued to newly appointed Managing Director of Telecel, Aimable Mplore.

There were no immediate reasons of canceling the Telecel boss’ work permit, but it is believed that the termination could be as a result of some controversy surrounding his tenure in Cote d’Ivoire where he worked before coming to Harare, reports ITNewsAfrica’s correspondent in Zimbabwe, Marcus Mushonga.

However, Mike Hamilton, representing Telecel, said he was confident that the Zimbabwean government would respond favourably to Mplore’s appeal against the cancellation of his work permit.

Telecel seized the opportunity to dismiss media claims that the company’s managing director was expelled, arguing that it was his work permit that was canceled but his visa was still valid.

“He was not deported. However, his work permit has been cancelled”, reads a company’s statement.

Meanwhile, Telecel has revealed that several staff members and a member of its board of directors have been implicated in the disappearance of stock worth US$1,7 million (about R11.4 million).

Telecel announced that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was investigating the allegations.

Telecel staff members are being accused of stealing recharge cards and starter packs from the company’s premises.
Hamilton said that Mpore had been involved in investigations into the fraud when the Immigration Department cancelled his work permit.

“Mpore has appealed to the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs against this decision”, he told the media.

“The company is confident the ministry will respond favourably to the request for a review of the cancellation of his work permit”, concluded the Telecel representative.

By Marcus Mushonga