Lungani Zungu
The suspended public protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, allegedly charged, suspended and later fired an investigator who suffered a stroke.
The investigator, Abongile Madiba, died a “sad and broken man” in 2021 a month after being fired.
This startling revelation was made by the executive manager of investigations at the Public Protector’s office, Ponatshego Mogaladi, during her testimony at the parliamentary inquiry probing Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.
“The public protector was fully aware of Madiba’s medical condition and notwithstanding this, he was charged when he was ill, suspended and ultimately dismissed,” said Mogaladi.
Madiba was a “skilled and hardworking” investigator, according to Mogaladi.
Mkhwebane, who preferred to be addressed as “Madam”, was dealt another legal blow on Wednesday after the Constitutional Court dismissed her second application seeking to change the rules for impeachment.
The apex court said her attempt was an abuse of court processes and ordered personal orders against her.
At least a dozen witnesses who have worked closely with Mkhwebane since 2016 when she was appointed as public protector have testified. They have painted a frightening picture not seen before by the public.
Busani Baloyi, the former chief operating at the Public Protector’s office, told the inquiry that Mkhwebane wanted staffers to call her madam.
As if this was not enough, Mkhwebane also wanted them to bow down before her and to also stand when she walked into a room, according to Baloyi.
Her seven-year fixed term ends next year. But she may not see the end of it should the inquiry conclude that she is not fit to hold office.
This would allow President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire her; at the moment she is merely suspended.
If she is fired, she would make it into history books as the first ever head of a Chapter 9 institution to be axed.
The inquiry continues on Thursday.
Image source: @shapshak
