In a statement, released by DA Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, it was revealed by Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane in an official reply to Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature. According to Nkosi-Malobane, he took 70 days holiday leave, 22 days sick leave, and 64 days temporary incapacity leave.
Bloom said, “Temporary incapacity leave is described as an alleged IOD, which is known as an Injury Left Knee.
“This means that he was absent for more than 30 percent of the time, which is excessive and affects the functioning of the station which is in a high-crime area.”
Nkosi-Malobane said that his period of absence was in accordance with the national leave instruction which means that a medical certificate was submitted.
“An acting station commander is always appointed during his absence so there has been no noted effect on the operation of the police station,” said Nkosi-Malobane
Bloom however, added, “I am outraged by his long absences and I disagree with MEC Nkosi-Malobane’s assessment that it has not had a negative effect on the station.
“The area is plagued by drugs and problem buildings. Housebreakings and murders have increased. I suspect that Mariemuthoo is a serial malingerer. Previously, he was the station commander of Benoni where he was investigated after taking 106 days sick leave, 39 days study leave, 122 days normal vacation and capped leave, as well as three days of family responsibility leave. He was temporarily removed from his post there and reinstated following a Labour Court ruling.”
Bloom said that he failed to see why a knee injury should lead to 64 days leave, which is a three-month absence. Bloom also said the station commander wass a poor example at Jeppe Police Station which suffers from a 14 percent general absenteeism rate.
He concluded, “I am going to campaign with local DA councillors Carlos Da Rocha and Victor Penning to have him removed. We will mobilise the community for him to go as he does not seem to want to do the job he is supposed to do.”
The North Eastern Tribune contacted the spokesperson for Jeppe Police Station, Warrant Officer Richard Munyai, who indicated that he is not in a position to comment on the matter, but confirmed that the station commander was currently at work.
Details: Jack Bloom 082 333 4222.
