Election fraud whistle-blower demands job back

Ballot Box PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Ballot Box PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A former public service employee fired for disclosing alleged fraud information about ballot boxes hidden in a toilet during 2019 general election in Gantsi wants her job back.

Tlhalefang Kolobetso, a cleaner at the time for Gantsi District Commissioner was charged for contravening the Public Service Act (PSA) and later dismissed from her work on June 30, 2021 after going through disciplinary hearing. She was accused of wilfully disclosing confidential information, contravening Section 27 (3) (i) of the PSA, which bars public servants from wilfully disclosing confidential information where such disclosure had not been authorised by the government or pursuant to any law or court order or was likely to be detrimental to the interests of the employer.

Through her attorneys Collins Chilisa Consultants, Kolobetso this week challenged the lawfulness of her dismissal from the public service before the Maun High Court and sought to be reinstated with payment of all emoluments backdated to the time of her dismissal. She wanted the decision of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration reviewed on the basis that it was irrational and that the disciplinary action was not prompt. Kolobetso's lawyer, Charles Batsalelwang argued that the decision to dismiss her was irrational and ought to be reviewed. “The disclosure related to information concerning and relating to the conduct of the national general elections, which are managed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), a body that is independent from government.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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