Masilonyana entered into legal battle with former senior manager

The ongoing dispute with former legal services director Itumeleng Mogaecho revolves around allegations of misconduct, unfair treatment and the municipality’s failure to comply with court-ordered obligations.

Among the five cases heard in various courts between Mogaecho and the Theunissen-based local authority are the unfair suspension case in the Cape Town employment tribunal; A review of unfair working practices and constructive dismissals in the Johannesburg employment tribunal and allegations of repeated suspensions in the Theunissen district court.

Mogaecho is demanding the submission of a report on former acting city manager Michello Sello’s alleged irregular financial activities at the high court.

Mogaecho’s first suspension took place under Sello in February 2023, after which two extensions were granted by successive managers. He claims his suspension took place after he filed reports into alleged improprieties involving Sello and former town manager Lungile Mokoteli.

In response, Mogaecho filed a high court petition demanding that mayor Dimakatso Modise table their report for council discussion and disciplinary action against Sello. Modise’s refusal to discuss these reports reportedly escalated the legal conflict.

Masilonyana was found guilty of unfair dismissal and unfair labor practices against Mogaecho in separate cases and was ordered to pay compensation for unfair dismissal by 24 October. Meanwhile, it was decided to pay compensation until October 31 due to unfair labor practices.

However, the municipality did not comply with these decisions. Earlier this month, Mogaecho received a letter from the sheriff to seize city property to pay the amount owed.

However, the municipality sent two cases to the Labor Court for review to overturn the decisions.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg