MBABANE – A police officer who has been on suspension for over 16 years has earned nearly E3.4 million in taxpayers’ money during the period in which he has not been performing any duties.
According to information provided by the officer, the accumulated amount includes his basic salary, overtime payments and increments, benefits granted to all civil servants as part of routine service adjustments.
Despite being away from active duty, the officer also received a promotion from constable to sergeant during the suspension period.
Busta Vilakati was suspended alongside another officer after they were arrested in connection with a matter related to dagga.
Their suspension has remained effective, pending internal processes.
Vilakati, based at the Pigg’s Peak Police Station, occupies a government house.
Speaking to Eswatini News, Vilakati confirmed that he is still on suspension and has never been officially reinstated.
He explained that the last indication of a possible return to duty came during the tenure of the late National Commissioner (NATCOM), William Tsitsibala Dlamini. At the time, Dlamini reportedly said the matter would be reviewed.
The NATCOM is also said to have mentioned a possible transfer to Ngwenya Police Post once the suspension was lifted. This was broadcast in a televised interview.
“That was the last time I ever heard anything about my reinstatement,” the officer stated.
Since then, he said, no communication has been conveyed to him regarding the status of his suspension or any decision relating to his return to official duties.
According to the officer, he takes it upon himself to report to the police headquarters at least once a year.
He said he goes there not because he has been instructed to do so, but believes he must remind his superiors that he is still available and remains a member of the Police Service.
He added that if he were to remain completely absent, there is a possibility that his presence in the system could be overlooked.
He further revealed that during his suspension, his name appeared on an official list of officers who had been promoted.
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Unnecessary impact on wage bill - economist
MBABANE – It is not uncommon that Eswatini’s wage bill is massive.
In fact, it is government’s largest expense. Yet, in this same wage bill, government is also paying people who are not actually working for the money they get paid.
Among these are civil servants who have been suspended for several years but still get paid full salaries.
Recently, it was reported that a court had ordered that a man who had been suspended for more than six months should be reinstated.
According to Economist, Thembinkosi Dube, the payment of suspended individuals only ends up increasing the wage bill.
He said it is best for such individuals to have their disputes quickly resolved instead of letting them continue being paid yet they were not actually working.
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... it’s abuse of power - human rights lawyer
MBABANE – Human Rights Lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi believes the long suspension is abuse of power.
Nhlabatsi said in a case where a person was cleared of their matter, it is just abuse of power.
He said the officer should be re-instated to justify his inclusion in the payroll.
He said while it is his right to be paid while he is on suspension, he should also be re-instated.
*Full article available in our publication
Busta Vilakati, wearing a uniform in this photo. He has been on suspension for over 16 years and has earned nearly E3.4 million in taxpayers’ money during the period in which he has not been performing any duties. (Courtesy pic)