There is no prima facie evidence that Johannesburg metro police chief Chris Ngcobo is guilty of misconduct, mayor Amos Masondo said on Thursday.
”… The city is concerned that none of the allegations levelled by the union were supported by credible and substantial evidence,” he said at a media briefing in Braamfontein.
The city launched a probe into corruption allegations levelled against the metro police chief by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in February.
Ngcobo stepped down when the investigation began to defuse a week-long strike by the union, which included the allegations in its reasons for the work stoppage.
Speaking at the briefing, Ngcobo said he harboured no ill-feelings towards his accusers. ”I feel very happy and excited,” he said.
”My goal was to stand back and let investigators do their job. I’m not angry, but feel vindicated,” he said.
Samwu spokesperson Dumisani Langa said the union had put on record that they would never accept this outcome.
”There are lots of irregularities in the investigation. We want a meeting with the city manager to understand the investigation.
”If this was a disciplinary hearing, then certain questions could have been answered.
”We are waiting for members to respond to this announcement, but I’m sure that their feelings will be negative,” Langa said.
Masondo said he was happy with the process and was confident it was conducted fairly. He did not give an indication of when Ngcobo would resume his duties. — Sapa