Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested an excavator operator, Halidi Seleman Kalaghe, 45, for allegedly using heavy machinery to damage his employer's property in Kigamboni. The incident occurred on November 10 at around 6:05 p.m. on Mvumoni Street, Somangila, within Kigamboni Municipality. According to a public police statement, Kalaghe entered an excavator and used it to destroy two gates and their surrounding fence, a Toyota Sienta, and a fuel tanker.
The damaged property belongs to China Energy Engineering Group Guanxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd, Kalaghe's employer, and Brighton Abraham Mfangavo. The police reported damage to temporary accommodation consisting of five rooms and five toilets. The incident followed a disagreement between Kalaghe and his employer, although the police statement did not provide further details about the cause of the dispute.
A report published by Habari Digital alleged that the disagreement concerned unpaid wages. According to the report, Kalaghe had worked for approximately three months without receiving payment and his employer repeatedly told him he would be paid once funds became available. The report further alleged that he had been given only three days of leave to attend a family funeral but stayed away for a week before returning to find that he had lost his job.
The police statement identifies the dispute with the employer as the circumstances preceding the alleged destruction. Kalaghe was employed by China Energy Engineering Group Guanxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd, a company involved in road construction works in Kigamboni. The company has not commented on the allegations of unpaid wages.
The arrested suspect, Halidi Seleman Kalaghe, is currently in police custody. The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander, SACP Jumanne Muliro, issued a public statement on November 11 confirming the arrest. The police are investigating the incident and have not disclosed any further information about potential charges.
Incidents of workplace disputes and unpaid wages have been reported in Tanzania's construction sector. The country has laws and regulations in place to protect workers' rights, including the Labour Act of 2004. However, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge.
The case highlights the need for effective communication and dispute resolution mechanisms in the workplace. Key points include: the incident involved damage to property worth an estimated amount; the suspect was arrested and is facing charges; the dispute may be related to unpaid wages.
Key points
- The incident occurred following a workplace disagreement over unpaid wages.
- The suspect, Halidi Seleman Kalaghe, was arrested and charged with damaging his employer's property.
- The incident highlights the need for effective communication and dispute resolution mechanisms in the workplace.
