Negligence, dishonesty and sabotage disciplinary hearing of six postponed

The disciplinary hearing of the six Umjindi Municipality workers who were suspended in June, for allegedly failing to do their work diligently, dishonesty and sabotage of services, was postponed to next Monday.

Sipho Mkhatshwa, Sibusiso Mpila, Moeketsi Mokoena, Dayleen King, Vusi Makamu and Sydney Ndabezitha appeared before the disciplinary hearing council this past Friday.

According to Vusi Mahlalela, South African Municipal Workers’ Union chairman in Umjindi, during the hearing several witnesses were asked to testify, both from the employer and employee side.

The six water processors were accused of intentionally disconnecting water supply on June 7 and 8 when several sections in Emjindini were left without water.

It was reported that a burst main pipe which supplied the municipality was the cause. Workers on duty had allegedly worsen matters when they shutdown the entire plant, apparently demanding overtime allowances and double payment for Sundays and public holidays.

Mahlalela said their members were wrongfully accused for a crime they never committed.

Meanwhile, two of the workers – Mkhatshwa and Mpila – have filed legal claims against the Umjindi mayor, Cllr Lazaros Mashaba for defamation.

The two employees were dismissed, reinstated and later served with suspension letters after the scandal had unfolded.

Mashaba also made a public announcement on Ligwalagwala FM stating that they wanted to set an example that people can’t temper with basic services and get away with it.

He continued to label the workers as untrustworthy as they could poison the community anytime since they were controlling the water supply.