Mphoko demands US$300 000 in benefits & pension: Zim Gvt says NO

GOVERNMENT is disputing former Mugabe Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s claim of more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension pay-outs, saying there is no explanation as to how he arrived at that figure.

Mr Mphoko has filed court papers arguing  that in terms of section 102(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, he was entitled to a pension which is equivalent to the salaries of Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi.

The former Grace Mugabe ally said having joined the civil service in October 1981, he was entitled to his benefits and pension.

He was appointed Vice-President in December 2014, a position he held until he was removed from office in November 2017.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, has also file papers of opposition at the Bulawayo High Court, citing Mr Mphoko as a respondent.

The Government is saying the former Vice President will only be paid his pension in local currency and should not expect any other benefits. 

Mr Mphoko wants an order declaring the withholding of his pension by Government illegal and unconstitutional.

He is seeking an order directing the respondents to pay him US$308 000 or the equivalent in local currency at the interbank rate. 

Dr Sibanda queried Mr Mphoko’s claim, saying it was not justified.

“The respondent is claiming an amount of US$320 000 and no explanation is given as to how he arrives at such a figure. He cannot simply convert what he used to earn then and convert it at the going rate without taking into consideration the changes brought in by the departure from multi-currency regime. In this regard, there is a dispute as to what respondent may be entitled to,” he said.

“Secondly, if even if the respondent (Mr Mphoko) were to be taken to be entitled to the pension and benefits he claims, he is only entitled to receive such in a manner which complies with section 44C 4(d) of the Reserve Bank Act, which repealed Statutory Instrument 142/19.”.

Dr Sibanda said it was illegal for Mr Mphoko to claim his money in United States dollars.

“In the instant case, the respondent is claiming pension in United States dollars, which is payable at the going rate. The claiming of local payments in United States dollars is not permissible at law.