The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has investigated the allegations that a Bulawayo-based security company dismissed a female employee only because of its HIV-positive status. The woman, a 40-year-old widow from Entumbane who served as a security guard, claimed that after she was fired, her employer asked to prove her health, which was after a medical visit to Gokwe. Although the company initially approved her sick leave, officials later insisted on documenting her HIV status before termination of work.
Sources show that the directives seeking her medical records originated from administrators at the company’s Bulawayo office, raising concerns about potential discrimination and violations of employee rights. ZHRC filed the case, with Chairman Jessie Majore condemning the company’s actions as a violation of fundamental human rights. At the International Human Rights Conference in Gambia, Majorme called the dismissal a “unacceptable violation of fundamental rights”, confirming the Commission’s commitment to a thorough investigation.
Majorome stressed that the so-called termination could constitute a violation of a variety of constitutional protections, including the right to personal dignity, protection from discrimination, freedom from degradation treatment, medical privacy, fair labor practices and access to health care. She added that if the violation is confirmed, the ZHRC will ensure accountability and explore possible remedies for affected women.
As the investigation unfolds, the security company at the Dispute Center has not issued any public statements. However, legal experts warn that if the claim is confirmed, the company could face serious legal and reputational consequences under Zimbabwean law.
