A public servant lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman Commission alleging that he had been unlawfully terminated on the basis of a minor disciplinary offence. He claimed that he had received a recommendation from the district administration to be charged under a provision relating to the excessive use of intoxicating liquor or drugs. Following this, he was issued a Notice of Punishment under the applicable disciplinary framework, imposing the penalty of dismissal from the Public Service.
The Ombudsman Commission registered the complaint and referred the matter to the relevant provincial administration, outlining breaches of the proper disciplinary process as prescribed under the governing legislation. The Commission continued to pursue the matter, emphasising that the mandatory procedural requirements had not been observed before imposing the penalty of dismissal.
During a 2024 visit to the district, the Ombudsman Commission made further inquiries with the complainant’s supervisor, who confirmed that the officer remained employed. Additional verification with the acting personnel management division confirmed that the complainant was still on the official payroll.
Through the Commission’s intervention, the improper dismissal was not effected, and the complainant retained his employment in the Public Service.