By Fiona Gounden
Former Sharks loose forward Warren Britz, who is now living in France, allegedly had his learner driver's licence and his driver's licence arranged on the same day by the Hibiscus Coast municipality's director of Security, Victor Chetty, in return for rugby tickets three years ago.
This information came to light after director of health and community services Sheryl Cwele, the wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, was charged for drug trafficking and released on bail of R100 000. Cwele is now back at work.
Phumelele Sabela, who is the director of economic development and tourism at the municipality and who has been on leave since early December, yesterday, was "identified as Cwele's baby sister" by DA councillor Dave Snashall, who questioned her long absence.
Chetty is now facing charges of misconduct and the municipality's records, of which The Independent on Saturday has copies, show that Britz, 36, received his learner's licence and driver's licence on July 4, 2007. The learner's licence test shows a questionnaire with Britz's details, but no answers have been circled - but scores are placed at the bottom of the questionnaire and signed by Chetty.
In addition to this, official documents in the council's possession show that Chetty filled up his personal vehicle, an Audi with the registration "Chetty1-ZN", on December 30 and 31 last year and then received payments totalling R639.74 from the municipality.
Snashall said the official documents with proof of misconduct are in possession of the Hibiscus municipality and Chetty faces serious charges.
"We have proof of signed documents that he arranged a learner's licence and driver's licence for a rugby player on the same day. This was apparently done in return for tickets to a game. He also filled up his personal vehicle and then billed the municipality and received payment from them."
Snashall said the investigation was being done by the municipal manager and they were putting pressure on him to work faster.
Britz, whose home town is Port Shepstone, has played for the French rugby team Montpellier for a few years since he left South Africa.
Sally Munisamy, of Sharks Rugby, said Britz's contacts at the Sharks had not heard from him in a long time.
Municipal manager for the municipality, S'bu Mkhize, confirmed the case against Chetty was still being investigated.
"The outcome of the investigation will determine what happens next. Right now he has a right to be at work and conduct his duties as the internal investigation is not yet completed," he said.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court will continue hearing argument in the bail application of Frank Nabolisa, co-accused in the drug-trafficking trial of Cwele, on Thursday.
The trial has been set down for October 11 to 22.