/ 16 August 2011

Sheryl Cwele loses municipal job after drug conviction

Sheryl Cwele Loses Municipal Job After Drug Conviction

Convicted drug dealer Sheryl Cwele, wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, has been fired by the Hibiscus Coast Municipality, the SABC reported on Tuesday.

A disciplinary hearing found her guilty on all charges. She has 10 days to appeal, the broadcaster reported.

Cwele was the head of health services in the municipality.

The disciplinary hearing against her began in June this year and the committee ruled against her last month.

It was convened to determine if she should keep her post after she was convicted of drug dealing by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on May 6.

Cwele was sentenced to 12 years in jail.

She is appealing her drug dealing conviction and is out on R100 000 bail.

Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu Natal welcomed the Cwele’s axing.

“The DA … commends the decision-makers on their resolution, which is clearly without fear or favour. We believe that the decision to dismiss the wife of a national minister sets a new precedent in terms of how errant officials should be dealt with, regardless of how politically connected they may be,” said spokesperson George Mari. — Sapa