A warden accused of taking a bribe to smokkel drugs into prison has been given the boot by Correctional Services.
But he will still be earning his salary pending the outcome of his appeal against the decision to fire him.
Simphiwe Xako, spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, says after a lengthy disciplinary hearing Stephen Manuel was found guilty of being in possession of drugs in the vicinity of Worcester Correctional Centre.
“He was found guilty and dismissed but has appealed the decision,” says Xako.
He explains it may take about one month before the outcome of Manuel’s appeal is known.
The 49-year-old Manuel was arrested in September 2015 while in full uniform outside the tronk where he worked during an undercover operation by members of Operation Combat.
It is alleged he took a bribe to smokkel in dwelms to bandiete.
According to Xako, Manuel was suspended shortly after his arrest, pending the internal disciplinary hearing which was finalised last week.
“The case was prolonged due to witnesses not always being available and the external investigation,” explains Xako.
Manuel recently appeared in Khayelitsha Priority Crimes Court on a charge of corruption.
His case was postponed to August for pre-trial hearing.