Former airport security boss Paul O’Sullivan has filed court papers against suspended police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi to challenge his 2003 dismissal, Selebi’s office said on Friday.
O’Sullivan also filed papers against Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula and Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) managing director Monhla Hlahla.
Selebi’s spokesperson, Sally de Beer, confirmed that his office had received notification of the legal proceedings.
In his application, O’Sullivan claims Selebi ”conspired and acted in concert” with Hlahla to fire him and discredit him publicly.
The Star reported on Friday that O’Sullivan claims he was prosecuted after cancelling a security contract between Acsa and Khuselani Security and Risk Management, which he claims had provided poor services.
O’Sullivan further claims the security company was under Selebi’s protection.
In his application to the Johannesburg High Court, O’Sullivan is seeking to prove that his right to dignity, privacy and right to fair labour practices have been violated.
O’Sullivan claims he has become unemployable since his dismissal and is claiming R42-million in damages for loss of income and ”pain and suffering”.
Nqakula’s spokesperson Trevor Bloem declined to comment.
Efforts to get a comment from Acsa failed. — Sapa