Africa-Press – South-Africa. A report into claims that City of Cape Town councillor Zahid Badroodien tampered with an electricity meter at his home has found no evidence to suggest that he did so.
But it has recommended that he be charged with gross misconduct after he allegedly “failed and/or neglected to comply with [his] obligations as the lawful owner of the property and, as a result, permitted either intentionally or unknowingly the tampering of the electricity meters and non-payment of the electricity consumption for the property”.
Singh Attorneys Inc. conducted the investigation on behalf of the City and submitted the report, which News24 has seen, to council speaker Felicity Purchase.
It found that Badroodien had breached the Cape Town electricity supply by-law concerning tampering with service connection or supply mains.
However, it also found no evidence to suggest that he tampered with or instructed an electrician to tamper with the meter.
The report read:
It added that Badroodien’s actions amounted to misconduct, gross misconduct, contravention of the electricity supply by-law and contravention of the code of conduct.
“In that, you failed to act in the best interests of the City and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the City are compromised,” it said.
Badroodien, who is facing a disciplinary hearing, stepped down from his post following allegations that he tampered with an electricity meter on his property.
He denied the allegations and voluntarily stepped down pending an investigation. The disciplinary process stems from November last year when Badroodien temporarily moved into a vacant property he owned, constructed in 2019.
Two days after taking occupation, he was made aware of the allegation of tampering with an electricity meter on the property.
Badroodien told News24 he had not seen the report, and it was not issued to him.
He said:
“With regard to my disciplinary process, [it] started on Wednesday and lasted for just over six hours (sic). The City’s attorney started the process by introducing their witnesses, which was followed by a cross-examination.”
Regarding the allegations, Badroodien said they were the subject of the disciplinary process.”I do not wish to influence the process by commenting on the allegations which are being tested through the disciplinary committee,” he said.
City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said: “The disciplinary committee continues to perform its duties and, unfortunately, cannot make public statements until such time as the process has been concluded. Once an outcome is achieved, it will be reported to council on the open agenda.”
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