Research Article

Implications of Conducting Adverse Hearing and Investigations While an Employee Faces Disciplinary and Criminal Cases: A Case Study in South Africa

Tumiso Mokhomole 1 *
More Detail
1 Forensic Investigations Directorate, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Pretoria 0001, South Africa* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 5(1), March 2025, 0004, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2025v05.01.0004
Submitted: 18 December 2024, Published: 22 March 2025
OPEN ACCESS   51 Views   112 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

The conducting of adverse hearings and investigations while an employee faces disciplinary and criminal cases, and its possible implicastions were examined in this study. The “Audi alteram partem” is applied interchangeably with procedural fairness when processing disciplinary or crime cases in adverse hearings or investigations. South African labour laws advocate for an employee to serve a 30-day notice when resigning for handover purposes, including activating other exiting processes by the employer and employee thereof. Qualitative research approach was adopted to gather relevant information for the study. Data with purpose of the study was gathered through observation and lived-experience, published court judgments, articles, and journals. The study results indicate that adverse hearings and investigations while an employee faces disciplinary and criminal cases can be conducted concurrently while taking into account section 35(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The discussed three labour laws in the Republic of South Africa require to be reviewed to manage employer-employee relationships regarding the resignation or termination of an employment contract while an employee is subjected to adverse hearings or investigations.

CITATION (APA)

Mokhomole, T. (2025). Implications of Conducting Adverse Hearing and Investigations While an Employee Faces Disciplinary and Criminal Cases: A Case Study in South Africa. International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 5(1), 0004. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2025v05.01.0004

REFERENCES

  1. Alharahsheh, H.H., & Pius, A. (2020). A review of key paradigms: Positivism VS interpretivism. Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3), 39–43.
  2. Ames, H., Glenton, C., & Lewin, S. (2019). Purposive sampling in a qualitative evidence synthesis: A worked example from a synthesis on parental perceptions of vaccination communication. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 19, 1–9.
  3. Coetzee v Zeitz Mocaa Foundation Trust and Another (C517/2018) [2018] ZALCCT 20. (2018). 39 ILJ 2529 (LC). Available online: https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZALCCT/2018/20.html (accessed on June 14, 2018).
  4. Coffey, G. (2008). The constitutional status of the double jeopardy principle. Dublin University Law Journal, 30 (1), 138–165.
  5. Department of Public Service and Administration. (S.a.). Guide on Disciplinary and Incapacity Matters. Available online: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/nlr/NLR_Guide1.pdf (accessed on July 01 2024).
  6. Dube, S. (2020). Does resigning in the face of disciplinary action ‘let you off the hook’? Available online: https://bowmanslaw.com/insights/does-resigning-in-the-face-of-disciplinary-action-let-you-off-the-hook/ (accessed on February 11, 2024).
  7. Flick, U. (2013). Qualitative Data Collection. London, UK: Sage Publications, Inc.
  8. Goba, T. (2024). SAFTU against proposed labour law changes making it easier to dismiss workers. Available online: https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/10/23/saftu-against-proposed-labour-law-changes-making-it-easier-to-dismiss-workers (accessed on October 24, 2024).
  9. Govender, C. (2022). Can Employees Who Refuse To Testify At Disciplinary Proceedings Be Dismissed For Insubordination? Labour SEESA. Available online: https://blog.seesa.co.za/index.php/2022/03/04/can-employees-who-refuse-to-testify-at-disciplinary-proceedings-be-dismissed-for-insubordination/ (accessed on July 01, 2024).
  10. Kaefer Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (JA59/20) [2021] ZALAC 42. (2022). [2022] 43 ILJ 125 (LAC); [2022] 2 BLLR 166 (LAC). Available online: https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZALAC/2021/42.html (accessed on October 26 2021).
  11. Labour Guide. (S.a.). Resignations and Disciplinary Hearings. Available at: https://labourguide.co.za/misconduct/resignations-and-disciplinary-hearings (accessed on October 16, 2024).
  12. Ludidi, V. (2024). Fort Hare murders – ex-SAPS member, 14 suspended university workers arrested. Daily Maverick. Available online: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-04-01-fort-hare-murders-ex-saps-member-14-suspended-university-workers-arrested/ (accessed on: April 03, 2024).
  13. Mezei, P. (2013). Not Twice for the Same: Double Jeopardy Protections Against Multiple Punishments: A Comparative Analysis of the Origins, Historical Development and Modern Application of the Ne Bis In Idem Principle. In Fair Trial and Judicial Independence: Hungarian Perspectives, pp. 197–219.Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing.
  14. Miller Bosman Le Roux. (2023). Do criminal charges trump a disciplinary hearing? Miller Bosman Le Roux Attorneys. Available online: https://www.mblh.co.za/OurInsights/ArticleDetail.aspx?Title=Do-criminal-charges-trump-a-disciplinary-hearing?#:~:text=In%20the%20recent%20case%20of,of%20criminal%20prosecution%20against%20the (accessed on April 03, 2024).
  15. Muntingh, L. & Dereymaeker, G. (2013). Understanding Impunity in the South African Law Enforcement Agencies. University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa: Community Law Centre.
  16. Naidoo and Another v Standard Bank SA Ltd and Another (J1177/19) [2019] ZALCJHB 168. (2019). [2019] 9 BLLR 934 (LC); [2019] 40 ILJ 2589 (LC). 24 May 2019. Available Online: https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZALCJHB/2019/168.html (accessed on April 03, 2024).
  17. Nhleko, N. (2015). SAPS matters: Ministerial briefing. In: Beukman, F. 2015. APS & Civilian Secretariat matters, in presence of Minister and Deputy: White Paper on Policing, proposed new organisational structure, Legal Expenditure briefing, TETRA project follow ups; Critical Infrastructure Bill rejected. Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG), 18 November 2015. Available online: https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/21851/ (accessed on June 22, 2024).
  18. Omar, B. (2015). Civilian Secretariat for Police: Draft White Paper on Policing. Available online: https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/21851/ (accessed on June 22, 2024).
  19. Ramthlakgwe v Modimolle-Mookgopong Local Municipality and Another (JS562/23). (2023). ZALCJHB 190. Available online: https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZALCJHB/2023/190.html (accessed on April 01, 2024).
  20. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students, 8th ed.; Harlow, UK: Pearson Education.
  21. Slavin, T.M. (2018). How to Write an Introduction for a Qualitative Research Study. Leaf Group Ltd, 27 June 2018. Available online: https://www.theclassroom.com/write-introduction-qualitative-research-study-4608.html (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  22. South African Government (1995). Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. Available online: https://www.gov.za/documents/labour-relations-act (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  23. South African Government. (1996). Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 as amended. Available online: https://www.gov.za/documents/special-investigating-units-and-special-tribunals-act (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  24. South African Government. (1997). Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997. Available online: https://www.gov.za/documents/basic-conditions-employment-act (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  25. South African Government. (1998). Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. Available online: https://static.pmg.org.za/docs/2000/appendices/000229EEASummary.htm (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  26. South African Government. (2008). South African Police Service Amendment Act 57 of 2008 as amended. Available online: https://www.gov.za/documents/south-african-police-service-amendment-act-1 (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  27. The Constitutional Assembly of South Africa. (1996). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, as adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on 08 May 1996. ISBN 978-0-621-39063-6. Available online: https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/num_act/cotrosa1996423/ (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  28. Tshikovhi, R.H., & Odeku, K.O. (2013). Double Jeopardy for Misconduct and Increase of Sanction at the Appeal Court: Unfair Labour Practice Revisited. Mediterranean Journal os Social Sciences, 4, 611–620.
  29. Truter, J. (2024). Disciplinary and Criminal Proceedings. Labourwise, 25 January. Available online:https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-04-01-fort-hare-murders-ex-saps-member-14-suspended-university-workers-arrested/ (accessed on March 04, 2024).
  30. VDT Attorneys Inc. (2023). Do criminal charges trump a disciplinary hearing? VDT Attorneys Inc, 30 November 2023. Available online: https://vdt.co.za/labour-court/do-criminal-charges-trump-a-disciplinary-hearing/ (accessed on April 01, 2024).
  31. Vodacom (Pty) Ltd v Motsa and Another (J 74/16) [2016] ZALCJHB 53. (2016). [2016] (3) SA 116 (LC); [2016] 5 BLLR 523 (LC); [2016] 37 ILJ 1241 (LC). 9 February 2016. Available online: https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZALCJHB/2016/53.html (accessed on April 01, 2024).
  32. WorkNest. (S.a.). What happens if an employee resigns during the disciplinary process? Available online: https://worknest.com/blog/resignation-disciplinary-process/ (accessed on October 27, 2024).