Mariemuthoo promoted to cluster level
Since former station commander of Jeppestown and Benoni police stations Govindsamy Mariemuthoo was put in hot water after DA head, Jack Bloom, questioned his leave days, he has been promoted.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Lieut-Col Lungelo Dlamini confirmed the change in position.
“It is the prerogative of the SAPS provincial management to re-deploy management at stations for the purpose of service delivery,” Dlamini said.
“Talks of him becoming the deputy cluster commander have been discussed for over six months,” said his lawyer, Jose Nascimento from Jose Nascimento Attorneys.
Therefore, Bloom, welcoming the removal of Mariemuthoo’s position as a station commander as credit to himself, has been regarded as presenting false information by Nascimento, who cleared up the confusion.
“Mariemuthoo was moved due to his illness, not the DA’s statements,” Nascimento said.
Earlier in March, Bloom accused Mariemuthoo’s absenteeism of having a negative effect on the running of the Jeppestown Police Station and assured the new acting station commander, David Ngcobo of the DA’s involvement in fighting crime.
“Local DA councillors Carlos da Rocha and Victor Penning will give their best efforts to assist Brigadier Ngcobo in fighting crime effectively,” Bloom said.
“Unlike his absentee predecessor, he needs to be a permanent hands-on presence in combating crime.”
However, the DA’s beliefs of the former Benoni Police Station commander being absent, does not change his new position.
“This new position is a promotion which places Mariemuthoo in charge of seven police stations,” said Nascimento. “One of which is the Jeppestown Police Station.”
Also read: DA questions Mariemuthoo’s leave
