156 day absence of Jeppe police station commander
Alleged IOD injury left knee leads to 64 days leave.
The Station Commander of Jeppe Police Station, Brigadier Govandsamy Mariemuthoo, has been absent from his job for 156 days following his appointment there on 17 February 2014.
This is revealed by Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane in an official reply to Democratic Alliances (DA) Gauteng Shadow for Health Jack Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
According to Nkosi-Malobane, he took 70 days’ vacation leave, 22 days sick leave, and 64 days Temporary Incapacity Leave for what is described as an alleged IOD injury left knee.
“This means that he was absent for more than 30% of the time, which is excessive and affects the functioning of the station which is in a high crime area,” said Bloom.
Nkosi-Malobane says that his period of absence was in accordance with the Leave National Instruction (leave and medical certificate were submitted).
“An acting station commander is always appointed during his absence so there has been no noted effect on the operation of the police station.”
“I am outraged by his long absence and I disagree with MEC Nkosi-Malobane’s assessment that it has not had a negative effect on the station.
“The area is plagued by drugs and problem buildings.
“Last year in November, local Ward Councillor Carlos Da Rocha and residents in Bez Valley did their own night patrols to stop rampant theft of water meters. Furthermore, house-breakings and murders have increased,” said Bloom.
He said, “I suspect that Mariemuthoo is a serial malingerer.
“Previously he was the station commander of Benoni where he was investigated after taking 106 days sick leave, 39 days study leave, 122 days normal vacation and capped leave, as well as three days of family responsibility leave.
“He was temporarily removed from his post there and reinstated following a Labour Court ruling.
“I fail to see why a knee injury should lead to 64 days leave, which is three months absence.
“He is a poor example at this police station which suffers from a 14% general absenteeism rate.
“I am going to campaign with local DA Councillors Carlos Da Rocha and Victor Penning to have him removed. We will mobilise the community for him to go as he does not seem to want to do the job he is supposed to do,” Bloom said.
