NUMEROUS motorists have over the years voiced their frustrations at the poor treatment they say they have been subjected to by some staff at the Port Shepstone Licensing Department.
In the latest incident, teenager Coral-Lee Worsnip was allegedly assaulted by a staff member on Friday last week (July 28) after an altercation over the booking and payment of the teen’s learner’s licence test.
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A frustrated Coral-Lee, from Umtentweni, said she had arrived to take the test, for which she had booked and paid on July 7, only to be told she couldn’t as she ‘didn’t appear on the system’.
She was told CCTV footage would be viewed to find out what had happened to her payment of R190.
While waiting, Coral-Lee said she was confronted by an employee who was not wearing a name tag and who insisted no payment had been made.
“The woman pushed my hand with the papers and the money I was willing to re-pay in order to write the test towards me so harshly that I retaliated by shoving her back,” said Coral-Lee.
“She then grabbed me by my throat and pushed me against the wall. I pushed back and, after a someone broke up the scuffle, I was escorted out by the security guard.
“I had an exam at school later that day and all this commotion delayed me and left me in an unclear state of mind.”
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman Simon April was asked to comment on the incident and also on on-going complaints about one particular employee, about whom many people have complained.
Although insiders claim that employee has been suspended, Mr April refuted this, saying allegations of misconduct laid against the woman were being dealt with. However, he said, due to the fact that the matter was under judicial consideration, he could not comment any further.
Mr April added that, with regard to the alleged assault, although a phone call had been made to the licensing department supervisor, no official written complaint had been laid with the municipality.
“Management will investigate and the police are also welcome to view CCTV footage as we believe a case of assault was opened.”
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Mr April said he wished to clarify that the slip attached to the application form was not the actual proof of payment but proof of registration to sit the learner’s test.
“A receipt is generated through eNaTIS, confirming that the applicant has booked and paid for the test.”
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