CAPE TOWN - The chairperson of an internal disciplinary hearing involving a high ranking Metro police department officer has recommended that the City address the inappropriate discussions and unprofessional behaviour taking place during working hours.
This was when clearing the officer, identified in documents as Richards, of seven counts of sexual harassment following a six month suspension.
The charges included allegations around comments of a sexual nature or sexual in nuances towards the alleged victim, between December 2017 and January 2018, the documents stated.
“It appears that you also want to show some cleavage” and “you informed her of your sexual escapades when you were still in the military, stating how you would call the ladies to the fence and would have sex with them from behind”, were alleged to be some of the comments or nuances.
On some of the points, the disciplinary hearing found that there had been no witnesses or evidence to corroborate it.
“In terms of point 3 (related to the military days), according to the alleged victim’s testimony, this discussion took place in front of (another employee). (The employee) came to testify that the discussions around the army/military days were how Richards and his colleagues used to sneak alcohol through the fence,” the report said.
On another charge where it was alleged Richards came over to the alleged victim’s desk and attempted to kiss her, while there was no one in the office around 3pm.
“The employee (Richards) provided evidence the Internal Affairs Occurrence Book on the entries for 30 January 2018 that (the alleged victim) was booked off sick and on the entries of the 29th of January 2018, Richards reported off duty at 13h00,” the document stated.
“Based on the evidence presented, I find the employee not guilty. In closing, I would like to highlight that during the testimonies given by the various witnesses that a number of inappropriate discussions and unprofessional behaviour taking place during normal working hours were presented.
“Many of these discussions result from staff becoming very familiar with one another because of the time spent together at work. This type of conduct can easily lead to grievances and unhappy working environments for staff.”
“I would recommend that staff are reminded of how to conduct themselves at the workplace and how to interact (with) fellow colleagues. A session facilitated by Labour Relations or Employee Wellness could potentially assist.”
City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said they were working on the recommendations.
Approached for comment, the officer said: “It was a long painful experience to have defended charges for something I didn’t do. I am glad it's over and I am glad I was found not guilty.”
Cape Times