Eastern Cape suspension illegal: MEC

"I have received two epistles from both the mayor of the municipality and the speaker of the council, painting diametrically different accounts of how the decision to suspend the municipal manager was taken," he said in a statement.

He said after studying both he could confirm the decision was not taken by the council and proper processes were not followed.Thobela was suspended on August 30 for alleged insubordination and corruption.

"Furthermore, failure by the Mbizana local municipality to reverse their unprocedural and illegal decision to suspend [Thobela] will inspire us to reluctantly explore judicial options to rectify this decision," the MEC said.

"It must be stated that, the result of our judicial option will ensure that those responsible for this decision will be personally liable for any costs flowing from such processes."

Qoboshiyane hoped the situation would be resolved before legal action was considered.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge