GEORGE NEWS - The disciplinary hearing of suspended George Traffic Chief Donovan Saptoe might possibly take place in November - roughly a year after Saptoe received instructions from George Municipality to leave his office on 24 October last year. Saptoe has been at home for almost twelve months. 

The original date for his hearing was last year December, but there has been a number of delays.

Saptoe will appear on two charges of misconduct. The first charge relates to Saptoe allegedly bringing the name of the employer [George Municipality] into disrepute by, among others, deposing an affidavit in his capacity as traffic chief without the knowledge or consent of the employer. 

The affidavit pertains to alleged corrupt activities with the issuing of a taxi permit, implicating senior officials of the Provincial Department of Transport. He is also accused of misconduct by providing a copy of the affidavit to the media.

If Saptoe's hearing takes place in November, it will be almost 18 months since the affidavit was made.

The second charge of misconduct alleges that Saptoe is guilty of gross insubordination and/or gross dereliction of duty, by disobeying direct instructions received from the Director of Protection Services, Steven Erasmus. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, Saptoe failed to attend meetings, including the GIPTN Management Committee meetings.

Asked for his comment, Saptoe said he is looking forward to presenting his case at a long-awaited hearing. 

"I have nothing to hide and I am looking forward to set the record straight at this point," he said. "I wished that my disciplinary hearing can be an open one for the public to witness first-hand what is going on." 

Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose said George Municipality does not comment on internal disciplinary processes. "However, this matter will proceed shortly following a number of delays," she said.