By A'eysha Kassiem
"Disappointed" and "emotional" is how Truman Prince described his feelings about the disciplinary committee's decision that has seen him ousted as municipal manager of the Central Karoo District.
He has vowed to make a comeback and is to appeal the decision within 21 days.
"I am angry. I am disappointed," he said. "I feel like I've been stabbed in the back. I am so emotional, but I am not finished yet. I am coming back."
| 'Why can't I be forgiven' |
Prince was dismissed with immediate effect on Tuesday after a disciplinary committee ruled against him.
He was reportedly found guilty of five of seven charges, including allegations of misconduct relating to incidents in Laingsburg in May 2005 and two more in Beaufort West.
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He was cleared of misusing R3 000 in municipal funds as bail for a friend and on a charge pertaining to a R49 000 performance bonus he received last year.
The council is to meet on Thursday to discuss the disciplinary committee's findings.
Prince also faces charges of public violence. He is accused of attacking members of the Special Assignment television crew that filmed a documentary on child prostitution and included footage showing him flirting with under-age girls.
He was expelled from the ANC last month shortly after he had joined the Independent Civic Organisation of SA, which is contesting the municipal elections.
"There were so many contradictions in my disciplinary hearing. It was a real big joke. The process was a mockery. Everything was hearsay, but I am a soldier and this is another battle. The election on March 1 is a whole new war."
Prince said he remained "confident" about the elections, adding that the ANC did not have a campaign in the area.
Asked if the community would view him in a negative light, he said: "They don't see me in a negative light. I am their hero. Anyone can make mistakes. Why can't I be forgiven when God forgives mistakes?
"Rest assured, I am going to come out victorious."
Prince did not think his reputation had been tarnished.
"I have not done anything wrong. This is a conspiracy times two. The municipality will have a critical part missing (without me). (It will no longer have) my innovative service delivery initiatives, so they will suffer in some way.
"The media may paint me in a negative light, but the people will continue to support me."
Prince said the community had supported him because he had "influenced" so many people's lives and they were not likely to forget that.
"I have received messages of support from the community... saying I am a true leader and I must not crack."
The acting municipal manager, Nicla Nortje, could not be reached for comment.
- This article was originally published on page 3 of Cape Times on February 23, 2006
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