Racist allegation investigation concluded Ms Prudence Augusto (28) an employee of Elgin Brown and Hamer (EBH) Namibia was suspended for playing the racial card and accusing her superior of making a racial remark towards her. The notice for Augusto to attend a disciplinary hearing was reportedly issued against her on 16 January for allegedly making a false statement and accusing a superior of making a racist remark towards her. The disciplinary note also states that she had been seen enjoying a meal at a local restaurant by EBH senior officials while claiming to be on sick leave. According to a statement provided by a spokesperson for EBH Namibia, that was issued after the disciplinary hearing held on 11 February 2014, Augusto who accused her superior, Mr Robert Elliot (37), was found guilty of violating a sick leave letter and of going on AWOL. EBH Namibia management announced that the disciplinary hearing involving Augusto had been concluded by an independent Chairperson and although it was against the policy of EBH Namibia to reveal internal employee-related matters, recent media coverage and their commitment to transparency necessitated the company to issue a statement on the topic. A disciplinary action was instituted against Augusto for alleged misconduct. Following a preliminary investigation, where various discrepancies and inconsistencies were found in her recorded statement, the company proceeded with disciplinary action and she was suspended pending an investigation into the matter and a final disciplinary hearing. The disciplinary process which took place over a period of three weeks, was chaired independently to ensure an unbiased and objective approach, which was concluded on Tuesday”. According to the statement, the independent Chairperson was unable to conclude whether the racial remark indeed occurred or not and remarked that evidence provided was the version of the accused against the version of the main witness during an in-depth analysis of the facts presented during the hearing “The independent Chairperson however concluded that Augusto was guilty of violating her sick leave and of going on AWOL.” The final recommendation which contains the sanction of a final written warning, valid for a period of 12 months, is currently being evaluated by the company. The EBH Namibia management further said that they regarded the incident and the situation which prevailed as very unfortunate and that the company deeply regret this isolated incident. “The company has long worked towards an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork and reiterates its total commitment to a free and fair working environment where individuals are respected regardless of their ethnic background.” The EBH Namibia management also confirmed that all due process was followed in this case and they reaffirmed their stance of zero tolerance towards misconduct or discrimination in the workplace and that EBH Namibia continues to promote the highest levels of integrity and respect for the individual, as well as a mutually supportive and unified workforce. “EBH Namibia strives towards fairness and equality. Therefore it is incumbent to give a balanced and factual version of events. The company will also embark on an educational programme for its employees regarding adherence to, and respect for, the companys grievance procedures.”
Posted on: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 06:24:47 +0000
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