Paulsen to fight her 'unfair' dismissal

Melony Paulsen, Bitou Municipality's director of community services, has been removed from her post after being found guilty on three of four charges she faced during a disciplinary hearing.

- Chris van Gass

Paulsen, who was suspended on 1 Oktober last year, pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The disciplinary hearing was concluded in April after four months.

Paulsen confirmed that she received the ruling and sanction from the chairperson of the inquiry, Bradley Conradie, on 26 May.

She maintained her innocence and claims that, according to her legal representative, there are "numerous errors both on the facts, evidence led and the law".

She said she never expected a fair and objective hearing. "This process was never fair from the onset, as I was never even given an opportunity to present my side during the so called 'independent investigation'.

"I however refused to resign and chose to proceed with my hearing as I maintain my innocence," said Paulsen.

"We are now preparing to submit an unfair dismissal dispute with the South African Local Government Bargaining Council."

Verdicts and charges