The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, tells OFM News that the four allegedly discharged fire extinguishers, protesting against the return of the embattled head of the department, Thabo Lekalakala, who had his suspension set aside by the labour court in December 2018.

He says this after the department withdrew the precautionary suspension of the four following the successful conclusion of its investigation into their conduct. He adds that while criminal cases have now been opened against the four the internal disciplinary hearing against them will continue. Lekgethwane says through their reckless behaviour the department has suffered a substantial financial loss.

He says this is fruitless and wasteful expenditure which could have been avoided. “Their actions necessitate the department to take action to recover money for the financial loss,” Lekgethwane concluded. Lekalakala returned to work on 19 November 2018 after the arbitrary outcome which nullified his special leave. Lekgethwane said an internal disciplinary hearing against the four workers would continue. In December 2018, the North West Provincial Government opted not to appeal the Labour Court’s decision to reinstate Lekalakala in order to allow the internal disciplinary hearing against him to be concluded. This despite the office of premier Job Mokgoro’s promises to file urgent court papers.

Lekalakala, at the eleventh hour, lobbied for the court to reinstate him with immediate effect despite his on-going internal disciplinary hearings.

OFM News