Col Govender adamant he is innocent until proven guilty
Boksburg Police Station commander, Col Biggs Govender, is adamant about reporting for duty once his leave has expired, despite members calling on the SAPS management to remove him.
In an exclusive interview with the Advertiser, on Wednesday, January 28, Govender said that, despite the odds stacked against him, he is returning to work on Monday, February 2.
On Friday, January 23, Govender was asked to take a week’s leave, after a group of police members had gathered at the police station, on January 22, protesting against his leadership style and demanding that he be removed.They levelled various accusations at him, including failure to deal with employees’ grievances properly.
“I’m not fired. I was appointed commander of the station and I am going back to do my job,” he said.
Govender declined to comment on the accusations, as the case is sub judice.
“Everyone has a right to complain, however, the Constitution makes it clear that you are innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
”If I am found guilty of any offence or any misconduct by a court of law, then of course the necessary action has to be taken against me.
“The Criminal Procedure Act, however, makes it clear that any allegation must be proven true, through evidence, and that is what I’m waiting for… proof.
“If my accusers say I am wrong, then there must be a trial or hearing; if they say I must be transferred to another station, then there must be a reason that has been substantiated.”
The station commander feels that certain members of the station are conspiring to have him removed from his job, and are motivating other members to rebel against him.
“In the end, if the accusations are really so serious, then I must be charged, investigated and, if found guilty, be dismissed,” he added.
“In the nine years I have been in Boksburg, there has been no investigation against me. Instead, I have, over the years, been praised for my excellent performance.”
Govender said that, in March 2006, accusations, mirroring the ones made lately, were also levelled against him.
He feels those behind the accusations of 2006 are now trying their luck again.
“I have worked in six different police stations around Ekurhuleni and I have never had a problem; it’s only Boksburg where I find trouble, because my kind of discipline is not always welcomed.
“Transferring me is, therefore, not the answer, because those who don’t want to do their job will continue to lack discipline.”
