Two years on suspension with full pay 

Staff reporter 

Bloemfontein – Today, 15 August 2025, marks two ful years since Muhammed Ismail, Chief Director: Fleet was placed on suspension by Dr Masego Tshabalala, Head of Department at Community Safety, Roads and Transport (CSR&T)

Ismail was charged with failure to report crime to South African Police Services and despite evidence that he had reported the crime and is the state witness, the department went ahead and charged him.

When Ismail was suspended, Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae was the MEC and this happened few weeks after a hit list of those who need to be fired went viral. 

The disciplinary hearing faced postponement after postponement but eventually sat. 

Dr Solomon Phera, Chief Director Corporate Services is the chairperson of the hearing. Phera. 

Phera acted as Director General for few months before he was replaced by Dr Mokalobe and with his DC report outstanding, there is a vacant HOD position that he applied for and the person who appoints HODs is the Premier.

Another interesting name is that of Advocate Mojalefa Molotsi, yes the same Advocate we reported his appointment weeks before the closing date of the applications. 

The Community Safety Department appoint an Advocate despite the post requiring a Civil Engineer

Molotsi was also involved in another case where Papi Masilo was dismissed in the middle of the hearing and today, Masilo’s matter will be heard by bargaining council.

Strangely, the charges, suspensions, dismissals and transfers of employees only happened after Mathae joined the department in 2023. 

How long will Muhammed be suspended for before he returns to work or be dismissed? 

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