Acacia CEO calms workers over new probe
Dar es Salaam. Acacia boss Peter Geleta has sought to calm workers over what he claims was ‘unwarranted’ pressure from authorities apparently investigating the firm over issues running back to when it started operations in Tanzania.
In an internal circular to workers which was shared on social media, Mr Geleta said the company was seeking further explanation from the government over a series of events leading to seizure of computers at their headquarters in Dar es Salaam and holding of several workers for interrogation for hours.
The memo shows that Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) were conducting the investigations. PCCB spokesperson Doreen Kapwani confirmed the agency was conducting an investigation in accordance with the law. The firm said that as workers felt threatened and frustrated, it was its top priority to ensure employees’ are protected.
In the circular dated October 10, firm’s chief executive officer Geleta said that over the past few weeks a number of Acacia’s employees, mainly at its North Mara and Dar es Salaam offices had been placed under pressure by authorities. According to him, officers from TRA, the PCCB and other state organs have been demanding information from the employees.
He said the information requested relates to legacy issues about the company, which was formerly known as African Barrick Gold.
“Much of this information has previously been provided,” he said.
Among the troubles that the workers have been facing according to the statement is to be called for lengthy interrogations.
The circular also notes on the seizures of three computers and mobile phones at the company’s office by the PCCB. Mr Galeta said that there appears no reasonable basis for this and the company is seeking “an urgent clarification from the PCCB.”
The statement also drew attention to the night of October 9, on which firm’s commercial manager Maarten van der Walt, was held by the PCCB in Tarime and later taken to court on October 10 on allegations dating back to 2013 at North Mara.
The South African manager on Friday won bail, pending his passport verification in relation to the corruption case involving several other Tanzanians who were charged with receiving millions of shillings illegally from North Mara Mine.
“I understand the anxiety that these types of events may cause you and your families and I would like to reassure you that, at this time, the protection of the legal rights and well-being of our employees remains the top priority.”
