Suspended Bulilima council auditor seeks legal action to delay disciplinary hearing

SUSPENDED Bulilima Rural District Council auditor, Mr Israel Moyo, has submitted another sick note and filed legal action in the Labour Court in an attempt to delay his disciplinary hearing.

Facing charges of fraud, disobedience and misconduct, Mr Moyo’s first hearing was postponed twice due to his doctor’s notes stating he was unfit to attend.

He was initially set to appear before the disciplinary committee on April 14.

With the hearing rescheduled for today, he has now filed two motions with the Labour Court, arguing that the council has committed procedural unfairness and improper procedures in handling his case.

He has also sent a letter to the disciplinary committee requesting a postponement of his hearing.

Mr Moyo wants the court to hear his appeal before the disciplinary hearing can proceed. He granted the council 10 working days to respond to his legal filings.

In another attempt to delay the hearing, Mr Moyo also sent a letter to the disciplinary committee on Friday, advising them of upcoming medical reviews and requesting a postponement to May 9 or 10.

“I would like to request for postponement of the hearing scheduled for May 6, 2024. I will be undergoing some medical reviews as I am unwell. I request that it be held on Thursday May 9 or May 10, 2024,” wrote Mr Moyo.

He is facing disciplinary action based on a damning report compiled by a three-member commission.

The commission, chaired by Ms Omnia Ndlovu from the Public Service Commission, included Mr Onesimo Zogara, the District Development Co-ordinator, and Ward 2 Councillor, Mabhedi Ngulani.

The investigation focused on four allegations of misconduct against Mr Moyo. The first charge alleges unauthorised extension of his International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) training. Mr Moyo, who served as secretary to the IPSAS committee, is accused of manipulating meeting minutes to extend the training duration without council approval.

The second charge concerns a potentially fraudulent debt reduction. Mr Moyo is accused of unilaterally reducing a businessman’s debt from R132 000 to R48 000.

The commission concluded that this action lacked authorisation and constituted a potential abuse of office.

The third charge relates to the construction of Mr Moyo’s shop without following proper council procedures.

The final charge alleges interference with a council-appointed safari operator, which is said to have resulted in financial loss and strained relations with the operator. —@themkhust