A criminal charge has been opened against suspended strategic manager Mncedisi Boma after a file containing critical information about suspended municipal manager Pravine Naidoo went missing from the municipal offices.
A criminal charge has been opened against suspended strategic manager Mncedisi Boma after a file containing critical information about suspended municipal manager Pravine Naidoo went missing from the municipal offices.
This comes as more shocking claims emerge regarding Naidoo's alleged interference in his R3 million settlement with Makana Municipality.
The file reportedly contains all Naidoo's employment information – crucial to investigations that form part of his disciplinary proceedings.
Sources within the municipality hinted earlier this week that Boma was keeping the file at his house and yesterday this was confirmed by acting municipal manager Mandisi Planga.
"I can confirm that the file is with him and he is refusing to give it to us," said Planga. "He admitted to having it at home, and said he had taken it for 'safe-keeping'."
He said this refusal was part of the reason for Boma's current suspension.
"He did not get permission to take that file. That is municipal property," said Planga.
The municipality has since involved the police.
"We opened a criminal case last month," Planga said.
Asked yesterday about the file, Boma flatly denied having it.
"I don't know what you are talking about… that I don't know of," Boma told Grocott's Mail. "My stance is that I refuse to comment about this in the media. If you want details, go to those who suspended me," a clearly annoyed Boma said.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender confirmed that the police are investigating a case of theft opened by Makana Municipality in December.
It is not clear how Naidoo's disciplinary hearing will continue should the file not be returned.
Meanwhile, more details have emerged of the allegations Naidoo faces in connection with his R3 million settlement with the municipality.
The settlement is in connection with a labour dispute during his previous term as municipal manager. Council's attorney is investigating events surrounding the settlement.
Documents in Grocott's Mail's possession appear to lend support to allegations that Naidoo interfered in this settlement. Among them are shocking claims of deliberate cover-ups.
One damning account claims that Naidoo lost his cool over Mayor Zamuxolo Peter's refusal to ratify the settlement with his signature.
Another allegation is that two officials saw Naidoo alter the details of the settlement.
"…They personally saw him alter the details on the final page of the deed of settlement to provide for the signature of the Speaker (instead of the Executive Mayor)," the document reports.
"Mr Naidoo then issued an instruction that they (the two officials) should secure the Speaker's signature to the document."
Council attorney Chris Baker said in a report tabled in a Council meeting last week that there is evidence Naidoo abused his position to achieve a settlement favourable to him, but prejudicial to the municipality.
In his report to Council explaining reasons why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension, Naidoo stated, "…I did not interfere with my own legal case, as alleged, nor did I fraudulently or unlawfully secure the conclusion of any agreement… I deny that there are any grounds for my suspension and I deny that I am guilty of any misconduct as alleged, or at all."
