THE COP WHO LIVES AT WORK

Currently, senior superintendent David Matlahola, the commanding officer of an East Rand police station, is on two weeks sick leave, so he is staying at home.

This is causing a slight problem at the police station, because staff cannot use the photocopier or fax machine to send and receive important documents.
Its not like the office is locked while he is on leave, in fact, Matlahola is there in his office everyday.
That’s because he lives in his office!

Matlahola used to be the commanding officer at Heidelberg police station, but was suspended in 2002 when a charge of sexual harassment was investigated against him.
He appealed against the suspension and was offered a post at Ratanda on the East Rand.

For the past three months, the police have been paying R8 000 per month for his accommodation at a guesthouse – with taxpayers’ money – while he was supposed to look for permanent accommodation.
When they stopped paying his rent, Matlahola moved lock stock and barrel into his office.

Boxes of personal belongings, furniture, a bedroom suite and extra mattresses are all crammed into his office, and his private vehicle, which is broken down, is parked outside the police station.

Every morning staff at the police station has no option but to stand by and watch as their boss washes himself in the kitchen every morning.
He has even had meetings dressed in his pajamas, and frequently sends policemen to buy him lunch.

Matlahola insists that he be provided with a government house, but as senior superintendent he doesn't qualify for this benefit.
The complaints of several outraged taxpayers and police officials from Ratanda have fallen on deaf ears, and they are now seeking help from the Heidelberg CPF.
Matlahola referred all queries to provincial police spokesperson Superintendent Eugene Opperman.

Opperman, however, was not aware of the situation.
"The situation will be dealt with internally," was all he would say.

You certainly can’t get more internal than Matlahola.

Kader Khan
Editor
info@yummie.co.za