Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – A Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality employee who had a gun pointed at him on municipal premises has suffered a double blow after laying a criminal charge against a convicted criminal employed by the municipality as a bodyguard.
Tshidiso Mokonenyana allegedly had a firearm pointed at him in the vicinity of the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality offices by Lejwe Mofokeng on 11 March.
Mofokeng was previously convicted of fraud after allegedly claiming to have a matric qualification. At the time, he was employed by the Department of Health. After his alleged misrepresentation was exposed, he was transferred to the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, where he was subsequently found wanting and convicted.
He later found refuge at Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality — and if you are wondering how, check the surname.
Mokonenyana opened a criminal case against Mofokeng a day after the alleged incident. The firearm incident allegedly occurred on 11 March, with the criminal case opened on 12 March.
Only a few hours later, Mokonenyana was served with a show-cause letter by Municipal Manager Advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng, whom STEP UP SANEWS previously referred to as the “Municipal Manager who can’t read a financial statement” following his performance when asked about the finances.
Mokonenyana has been at home since then, while his July salary was stopped without prior notice or a disciplinary process, according to information received by STEP UP SANEWS.
net salary: 0 while fully employed…
His August salary was also not paid, with no explanation provided to him for the withholding of his salary.
A SAMWU member who spoke to STEP UP SANEWS on condition of anonymity described the situation as an abuse of power and an unfair labour practice.
“We are very unhappy with how the municipality is targeting our member. He is being punished for reporting a crime, and there is no justification whatsoever.
“The aggressor, who has a criminal record and should not be working for the municipality, has not even been suspended.
“His suspension has now surpassed 90 days, and now his salary is being stopped?”
Mxolisi Kaunda, chairperson of the NCOP Select Committee, referred our questions to the municipality.
Thabo Kessah, spokesperson for Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, was given until 16:30 to respond to questions from STEP UP SANEWS.
He asked we ask Municipal Manager.
At the time of publication, his response had not been received. Should the municipality respond, the story will be updated accordingly.
In other news, a law firm that previously wrote to us on behalf of the MEC for Human Settlements, threatening legal action over our description of Teboho Mokoena as “Sulky”, is also representing Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality. They are representing MAP in a case against SAMWU.
Connect the dots…
The law firm is William Ngququ Incorporated.
We asked whether we should instead refer to Mokoena by his height or weight.
They disappeared.
This is a developing story.
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