A former internal auditor in the Vice Chancellor’s office at the Copperbelt University has dragged the institution to the Lusaka High Court, demanding payment of over K400,000 gratuity.

Chisola Mfula is claiming payment of K409,835.39 being gratuity and leave days owed to her, interest, costs and any other relief.

In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court recently, Mfula stated that she was at all material times an employee of the Copperbelt University, residing in Kitwe.

She stated that by a contract in writing dated November 14, 2014 made between the institution and herself, she was employed as an internal auditor in the Vice Chancellor’s office for a period of three years on a salary of K184,512 per annum, in addition to other emoluments.

Mfula stated that pursuant to clause three of the contract of employment, she was entitled to a contract gratuity at a rate of 50 percent of the terminal basic salary and three days leave per month as well as other allowances.

She stated that her employment contract expired on November 14, 2017 resulting in the university owing her the total sum of K409,835.39, being unpaid gratuity and leave days.

“The plaintiff has made numerous requests both written and oral for the defendant to pay her the gratuity and leave days owed to her but the defendant has refused or neglected to pay her the money owed to her,” read the statement of claim.

Mfula stated that arising from the refusal of the institution to pay her the outstanding gratuity and leave days in the said sum, she has suffered loss and damage.