White cop was recommended

2009-11-17 21:09

Johannesburg - Captain Renate Barnard was recommended for a superintendent position she claims she did not get, because she is white, by a police commissioner who felt she was more competent than the other officers.

"I recommended that she be appointed...that there was a vast difference between her and the next candidate and also because of her competence," said Abraham Johannes Burger.

The former member of the Saps' national evaluation service and chairperson of the employment selection panel was testifying in the Johannesburg Labour Court on Tuesday.

He said appointing Barnard to the superintendent position would have boosted morale within the department that dealt with public complaints, ensuring that cases reported by members of the public were investigated.

"Those below her would have worked harder, seeing that there was room for improvement within the department," Burger said.

Position earmarked

His evidence comes a few hours after Senior Superintendent Johannes Phetholo Ramothoka of the Saps career management unit in Pretoria told the court Barnard was not appointed because the position had been earmarked for previously disadvantaged racial groups.

"The Saps has to ensure it addresses affirmative action. Equity guidelines prevented the appointment because her appointment was not going to be in line with the equity guidelines," said Ramothoka.

Barnard, speaking through Advocate Johan Grogan, said she was discriminated against on the basis of her skin colour.

Grogan was expected to continue leading Burger's evidence on Wednesday morning.

- SAPA