Mulaudzi cleared of all charges

Date: 25 July 2003 By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

THOHOYANDOU - The Chief Traffic and Licensing Officer of the Thulamela Municipality, Mr Thilivhali Mulaudzi, is a happy man, after he was cleared of all charges of fraud and corruption.

He was acquitted in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on July 16. Mulaudzi was arrested on November 26, 1999 on allegations of corruption and fraud. He was arrested by the Organized Crime Unit of the province.

His arrest came after investigations by the unit, after an instruction from the MEC for Transport, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani.

Mulaudzi, who was suspected of taking bribes and selling driver's licenses to people, remained in custody for a month, after he was refused bail several times. He was later released on R20 000 bail.

On January 15, 2000, while he was still out on bail, Mulaudzi was again arrested on the same charge and he spent another month in the prison cells, until when he was released later witout bail.

Mulaudzi, who was suspended with full pay, was later dismissed from his position by the municipality. On May 16, 2002, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) referred the dispute to the Bargaining Council for unfair suspension of its three members, including Mulaudzi. It was resolved at the Bargaining Council that the three officers should be re-instated within seven days. On June 03, 2002, Thulamela decided to reinstate the other two officers, but not Mulaudzi.

Thulamela charged Mulaudzi with misconduct, different from the one that he had initially been suspended for. The new charge was that Mulaudzi had misled the Investigation Unit, although the unit never officially charged him. Mulaudzi was then dismissed, without the right to appeal, contrary to the requirements of the Labour Relations Act.

He referred the matter to the Bargaining Council for conciliation. The municipality, however, did not honour the invitation where he was awarded a certificate to refer the dispute for Arbitration.

The Arbitrator, on March 06, 2003, said that Mulaudzi had been unfairly dismissed and that he had to be re-instated, with full back-pay. In his own words, Mulaudzi said "I am happy about the decision taken by the court. I also thank God because this only confirms the gospel that I have been preaching, that I am innocent. Now I am happy that I will be able to continue with my normal life without headaches," said Mulaudzi ."

Also read:

06 August 2012 - Top traffic cop arrested on 1 640 charges

12 April 2013 - “Double jeopardy”, claim Mulaudzi’s defence team

23 May 2013 - Traffic chief a free man

Viewed: 3903