‘Vindicated’ by guilty verdict

Metro cop accused her boss of sexual assault

A CITY metro officer who said she was sexually assault by her superintendent felt vindicated that the outcome of an investigation found her boss guilty.

The incident in 2018 sent the officer to the intensive care unit (ICU), and when she arrived back at work she was “isolated” and relegated to a back room of the Metro Police Department, she said.

The woman, who does not want to be named for fear of further intimidation, said she received an email notifying her that the investigation was complete and that her superintendent was found guilty on four charges, including abuse of power and sexual assault.

“I am so grateful to God, because if it wasn’t for the Lord this outcome wouldn’t have happened.

“The City talks big about being against sexual assault, but they have a case that they are trying to sweep under the carpet,” she said.

The officer went on to allege she was still suffering intimidation.

“They took away my vehicle and now I have to do the City’s work with my own car; they took half of my salary and I was moved to law enforcement in Bonteheuwel.

“I am suffering trauma as he spreading lies about me,” she said.

The City’s executive director for safety and security, Richard Bosman, said the disciplinary process was completed and he was awaiting the outcome of the hearing process.

In reference to the officer’s intimidation allegations, Bosman said: “We are unaware of this and no complaint is was registered to anyone thus far.

“The employee was moved more than a year ago after agreement was reached between her and the employer as an interim measure. She is doing investigations in law enforcement, which is very similar to the duties she undertook with the Metro Police Department,” Bosman said.

Separately, a former Golden Arrow bus driver is seeking legal advice as she claims she was unfairly treated and dismissed after reporting sexual harassment by her fellow drivers on two separate occasions.

Zara Austin said she filed two cases of sexual harassment, one in 2018 and another last year, against her colleagues, who were then dismissed.

After that she suffered bullying and intimidation, which she believes was the reason behind her dismissal in November.

“I will speak out and let my cry be heard by the world. I want to empower women around the world to not be brushed off by a company when they have laid a charge of sexual harassment in the company,” she said.

Golden Arrow Bus Services corporate affairs and human resources executive John Dammert said disciplinary issues were confidential and between an employee and the company.

“It is therefore an internal matter and should the said employee feel aggrieved, she has the right to pursue her case with the CCMA where all of the questions that have been posed will be dealt with,” he said.

Dammert did not comment on the bullying and intimidation allegations made by Austin, as well as the company’s stance on sexual harassment and the reporting thereof.