National Energy Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary general Thomas Masvingwe was last week dragged to court on allegations of staging a demonstration over unpaid salaries at ZESA recently.

Masvingwe appeared before Harare magistrate Tilda Mazhande answering to charges of contravening the Labour Act.

He was released on free bail and his attorney Lovemore Madhuku challenged placement on remand of his client arguing that the charge he is facing does not disclose an offence.

Mazhande was expected to make a ruling on the application Thursday.

According to the state, on February 9, this year, the accused and his accomplices who are still at large and acting in common purpose went to ZESA premises in Willowvale Harare.

Upon arrival, they allegedly organised or recommended other accomplices to carry out a collective job action against ZESA.

Court heard they gathered outside the premises making noise, singing, dancing and beating drums while lifting placards written ‘Pay now or tools down’ among other messages.

It is alleged they blocked the main entrance to the premises and emptied litter bins and disrupting business of the day.

Prosecutors allege that Masvingwe was identified by some witnesses who later reported the case to the police.

The court heard Masvingwe and his accomplices fled from the scene when the police arrived leaving behind placards which will be produced in court as exhibits.