MBOMBELA – The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is investigating a complaint of sexual harassment lodged against an employee of the regional court’s office of the registrar.
The office of the court administrator has acknowledged that a complaint was under investigation but would not comment further.
The claimant, who does not want to be identified, has indicated that the alleged incident occurred on October 22. She visited an administrative office of the registrar on this date, during which visit one of the assistants informed her that sexual harassment was no longer listed as a crime. She quoted him as saying, “The registrar made a new rule in the office. Sexual harassment complaints would no longer be brought, but rated.” He then said that she was alone with them in the room, but she cut him off by reprimanding him.
According to the complainant, the man had previously grabbed her rear and made rude comments to her colleagues in her presence. According to the complainant, many women have complained about incidents of harassment from the court’s administrative officials. None of these females have lodged an official complaint.
Lowvelder contacted Mpumalanga’s regional office of the Department of Justice for comments. The head of the regional office, Mr Desmond Mhlanga, explained that the department took these allegations very seriously and that procedural measures were in place when allegations such as these were received.
If a complaint is not submitted, it cannot be investigated.
As soon as such a written complaint is received, investigation procedures commence.
An officer is appointed to compile a report on the incident. If the alleged misconduct is found to be true, proceedings are instituted against the employee.
Disciplinary enquiries are held and the employee charged with harassment is heard before a presiding officer. Witnesses may be called to testify. Depending on the misconduct involved, a conviction of guilt may lead to sentence of demotion, suspension or even dismissal.
