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Robert McBride, has been given 'time off' until his criminal charges were resolved
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July 21, 2007, 16:00
Duma Nkosi, the Ekurhuleni mayor, must be clear on the announced absence from work of his police chief Robert McBride, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) said today.
"We appreciate that he's (McBride) going to be away from work but we want the mayor to be clear on whether it is leave or suspension or what," said Koena Ramotlou, the branch secretary . Earlier today, Nkosi told a press briefing in Germiston that the embattled police chief would be given "time off" pending the outcome of a court case against him.
He would not be drawn out on whether McBride would be suspended or would be given paid or unpaid leave. "I have to clarify whether to call it suspension or leave. I've taken a view that it will be proper to say that the chief of police will not be at work," he said. Yesterday, Samwu threatened to strike if the municipality failed to suspend McBride.
Today, the union reiterated its position that the police chief was being treated with "kid gloves" while other employees were treated with "steel gloves".
DA welcomes decision
The Democratic Alliance welcomed McBride's absence from work but also called on the mayor to "communicate the exact terms and description of Mr McBride's apparent suspension".
Nkosi said Mkhabela Sibeko, the Ekurhuleni deputy city manager, will take over McBride's position until November when the case against the police chief goes to trial. McBride was granted bail of R1 000 in the Pretoria regional court yesterday. He faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, defeating the ends of justice and fraud.
Commenting on the charges and his court appearance, McBride told the briefing: "I'm thankful for it and welcome it...The last seven months have been a trial by media." "The magistrate will make a decision and I will reconcile and accept any outcome." McBride also faces alternative charges of reckless or negligent driving, conspiracy and incitement.
Innocent until proven guilty
The charges relate to an accident in December last year near Centurion in Pretoria. Patrick Flusk, the Ekurhuleni city manager, said: "We have to be fair to all employees until found guilty...We are saying you (McBride) need time to correct what is out there."
Nkosi expressed concern over the negative light that the McBride matter had shed over the metro's police department. He aslo added that the time-frame between McBride's first court appearance and November was "too long". - Sapa
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