Human Rights Commission Rally Behind A Widow Fired For Being HIV Positive

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is throwing its weight behind a widow who a security company fired for being HIV positive.

A Bulawayo-based security firm faces serious allegations after reportedly dismissing a female employee for being HIV-positive. The controversial incident has prompted the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) to investigate potential human rights violations formally.

Bulawayo Widow Fired For Being HIV Positive

The 40-year-old widow from Entumbane, employed as a security guard, claims her employer demanded medical proof of her HIV status after she attended a scheduled clinic appointment in Gokwe.

Despite initially approving her medical leave, company officials allegedly insisted on documentation regarding her health condition before terminating her employment.

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Security Company fires widow for being HIV positive-Image Source@herald

According to sources, the controversial directive came from the company’s Bulawayo office administrator, raising serious questions about workplace discrimination policies.

Human Rights Commission Responds To The Discrimination Case

ZHRC Chairperson Jessie Majome, who is attending an international human rights conference in the Gambia, condemned the alleged actions as “unacceptable violations of fundamental rights.” Majome confirmed that the commission would thoroughly investigate whether multiple constitutional protections were breached.

All The Constitutional Violations Regarding The Case

Firing the woman after she proved that she was HIV positive places the security firm in breach of the following Constitutional workplace laws

Right to personal dignity (Section 51)
Protection against discrimination (Section 56)
Freedom from degrading treatment (Section 53)
Medical privacy rights (Section 57e)
Fair labour protections (Section 65)
Healthcare access guarantees (Section 76)

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“The ZHRC will pursue this matter to ensure proper accountability and potential remedies for any confirmed violations,” Majome stated in her official response.

The security company has yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegations, but legal experts suggest they may face significant consequences if the claims are verified.