Incident at KZN Health Department sparks concern over employee conduct
A government worker was arrested and faces a string of charges, including drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and failing to stop, among others.
Image: KZN Department of Transport/ Facebook
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is grappling with a troubling incident involving a staff member who is accused of abusing their position and government resources, exhibiting behaviour that not only endangers themselves but also poses a serious risk to public safety.
The provincial Department of Health Head of Department Penny Msimango expressed her deep disappointment regarding the actions of a worker who has reportedly used government property for personal gain.
Msimango lamented the blatant disregard for public trust, citing instances where employees, entrusted with government property and tasked with serving the community, exploit resources for personal gain.
She highlighted the dangers of drunk driving, warning that impaired judgment and reckless behaviour behind the wheel can lead to devastating accidents, endangering not only the driver but also innocent lives.
“This person also works for the Department of Health… They should be setting a completely different example in the community,” Msimango said.
She said that those who cannot work according to the government’s rules and neglect community safety should exit quietly.
“We will convene disciplinary committees so that we can determine how to address the transgressions and then mete out the appropriate punishment that is in line with the action that the person committed, because we cannot allow things to continue like this, because this, besides putting people's lives at risk, is reputation-damaging,” Msimango said.
She clarified that the individual in question was not a senior manager but just a worker.
“This person has committed many crimes. Their crimes could reach 10,” Msimango said.
“We encourage employees to cease the reckless use of government property intended for community service, especially because at this time, many eyes are watching us. We were not there and did not see it, but someone saw it for us, took pictures, and then it was discovered that they did this mischief.”
The state vehicle involved in the recent misconduct incident highlights the misuse of government resources.
Image: KZN Department of Transport/ Facebook
Earlier this week, the KZN Department of Transport said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team in Park Rynie arrested a government official who sped away in a state vehicle. He was cornered and arrested after a speed chase.
The RTI team discovered another intoxicated male and a 17-year-old female inside the vehicle. Additionally, the official was found in possession of a firearm, which the RTI team immediately confiscated.
The official faces charges of drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop, reckless driving, and possession of a firearm while under the influence.
He was refused bail and held at Scottburgh police station.
The KZN Department of Health said it regards these allegations with the utmost seriousness. It has zero tolerance for any official who abuses state resources, endangers public safety and puts the department’s name in disrepute.
“The combination of these alleged offences, including drinking while on duty, or whilst driving the state vehicle, is viewed as an egregious violation of our code of conduct and public service regulations,” the department said, adding that it has immediately initiated an internal investigation, complementing the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The department assured the public that should its internal processes find the official guilty of misconduct, he will face the full might of departmental disciplinary measures, in addition to any consequences from the criminal justice system.