Axed traffic boss cries foul

THOHOYANDOU - The former traffic boss, Thilivhali Mulaudzi, who was recently axed by the Thulamela Municipality, claims his dismissal was more personal and political.

Mulaudzi, together with his juniors, Shonisani Matshidza and Edward Munwana, were suspended with full pay by the former Thohoyandou TLC in December 1999, after they were arrested by police for allegedly selling drivers' licenses.

After the matter was taken to the labour court by the South African Municipal Workers, Uniona, a resolution was taken on 16 May, 2000 that the three had to be reinstated within seven working days.

However, only Matshidza and Munwana were reinstated while Mulaudzi was still suspended, with full pay.

Then the municipality decided to dismiss Mulaudzi for giving false information to mislead the body investigating the alleged corruption in the traffic division. According to a press statement, the disciplinary committee found Mulaudzi guilty on the above charge.

As the investigations were on corruption, the executive committee viewed the offense as gross and took a resolution at its meeting, held on 15 July 2002, to dismiss the officer concerned.

"The decision to dismiss was supported by all political parties represented in management as they all see corruption as a concern which must be rooted out. However the employee has lodged an appeal against the decision," reads the statement.

The statement also reflects that the appeal is still pending and final discussion will be communicated to and the public will be informed about the outcome.

However, Mulaudzi who confirmed that he had lodged an appeal, said he was not happy about the municipal decision since they decided to re-instate the others while leaving him behind, ignoring the instruction from the bargaining council.

"They decided to terminate my service stating that I had misled the investigating unit, which they cannot prove. I think the investigation unit should charge me for perjury if I had misled them, not the municipality," fumed Mulaudzi.

Mulaudzi indicated that he was expecting the matter to be taken back to the bargaining council since the municipality had failed to respond to his appeal since he lodged it on July 18, which is more than ten working days now.

Mulaudzi said he believe he was being targeted because he was aligning with the Regional Task Team, which is representing the former ANC leadership in the area in which some of the municipal members were holding senior positions.

Also read:

15 July 2003 - Mulaudzi cleared of all charges

06 August 2012 - Top traffic cop arrested on 1 640 charges

12 April 2013 - “Double jeopardy”, claim Mulaudzi’s defence team

27 May 2013 - Traffic chief a free man

News - Date: 02 August 2002

Ndivhuwo Musetha

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