Nurse wins R342 000 in battle after dismissal over HIV medication theft

A FREE State nurse from the MUCPP Community Health Centre in Bloemfontein, has been awarded a year’s salary following her dismissal over allegations of stealing HIV medication.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

Nontuthuzelo Thokozile Taioe, who had dedicated her career to nursing since September 2008, was earning over R28 500 a month when she was dismissed in July 2021. Her firing stemmed from June 2018 allegations that she stole 11 boxes containing 69 bottles of Odimune and each bottle containing 28 ARV tablets.

The second charge was that because of the alleged theft, she prejudiced the efficiency and administration of the department and deprived patients who were entitled to the medication.

However, as the Labour Court in Cape Town reviewed the case, the lack of direct evidence became apparent. No stock lists had been produced, no reports of shortages were ever filed, and crucially, there was no testimony from a pharmacy manager confirming that any medication had gone missing.

Despite the lack of direct evidence, the disciplinary inquiry found her guilty and dismissed her.