Swakop traffic duo found not guilty

SWAKOPMUND’S Municipal Traffic Chief and his deputy were acquitted on all charges of alleged misconduct at a disciplinary hearing held yesterday.

Fanie Kruger and his deputy, Herman Engelbrecht, were suspended from work on June 15 2007 for alleged misconduct at the workplace. Amongst others, Kruger was accused of allegedly acting beyond his powers by withholding a traffic-offence docket from being submitted to court, and of also cancelling it.Engelbrecht conducted a motor-vehicle registration procedure after hours, which was allegedly against municipal regulations, although he was granted permission by Kruger to do it.While investigations continued, the two officers were ordered to return to work on July 30 2007.A disciplinary hearing was pending, but Engelbrecht only returned to work a month later (August 31) due to stress and tension.”We acted within our powers, and also within the administrative regulations,” Kruger told The Namibian yesterday upon inquiry.”This was proved at the disciplinary hearing, and nothing could be held against us for our decisions and actions.”He said he and Engelbrecht were just very happy that the whole affair was over.Kruger said it had been ordeal for their families as well because of all the uncertainty.Amongst others, Kruger was accused of allegedly acting beyond his powers by withholding a traffic-offence docket from being submitted to court, and of also cancelling it.Engelbrecht conducted a motor-vehicle registration procedure after hours, which was allegedly against municipal regulations, although he was granted permission by Kruger to do it.While investigations continued, the two officers were ordered to return to work on July 30 2007.A disciplinary hearing was pending, but Engelbrecht only returned to work a month later (August 31) due to stress and tension.”We acted within our powers, and also within the administrative regulations,” Kruger told The Namibian yesterday upon inquiry.”This was proved at the disciplinary hearing, and nothing could be held against us for our decisions and actions.”He said he and Engelbrecht were just very happy that the whole affair was over.Kruger said it had been ordeal for their families as well because of all the uncertainty.