Top cop hauled home

2003-07-10 22:58

Vera Schoeman

Bisho - An Eastern Cape police chief and husband of a member of the provincial legislature has become embroiled in controversy after two alleged incidents with women in a luxury hotel and police guesthouse at the weekend.

He also apparently "lost" a car he hired from Avis.

Director Joe Jongile, recently appointed to one of the most important strategic positions in the provincial police, was hastily despatched home and a departmental investigation launched following the alleged incidents.

Early on Monday he was apparently hauled over the coals and allegedly left the office of his immediate superior Commissioner Trevor Hayes in tears.

Apparently no official decision has been taken about his possible suspension, but he has been off sick for the past few days.

Jongile is married to Sibonagile May-Jongile, a senior ANC figure. She is currently in Cape Town and said she had no knowledge of her husband's involvement in any of the incidents.

"But I do know he is sick in bed at home now - I am his wife, after all," she said.

When asked how Jongile could be reached for comment his wife replied she did not have a contact number for him.

She did say her husband was not thrown out of the hotel, but had to leave early because it had been fully booked for the July.

Jongile was attending an official training seminar in Durban when the first alleged incident in the luxury Balmoral Hotel took place.

Director Dawid Mbambo of police headquarters in Pretoria, who was the team leader of the event, said he'd received information that Jongile was entertaining a group of between four and six unknown women in his hotel room.

The hotel management decided to throw him out at once.

From there he allegedly went to the police guesthouse, where another woman apparently visited him in his room.

The pair apparently got involved in a tremendous row and allegedly kicked up such a fuss that police officials in neighbouring rooms complained to Mbambo. The woman's clothes were torn to shreds and she was apparently in shock.

Mbambo informed Hayes of the incidents and recommended that the director be sent home at once. Colleagues in Umtata were sent to fetch him in Durban.

Jongile, previously found guilty of drunken driving, suffered a setback a month ago when his expensive official vehicle was allegedly hijacked during the Bafana Bafana game in Port Elizabeth. It was found later.

Jongile was an MK soldier before being appointed police inspector a few years ago. Thereafter he made spectacular progress, reaching the level of provincial head: operational reaction service, at a salary of R409 000 a year.

Provincial spokesperson Marinda Mills confirmed the alleged incident in Durban. She said suspension could not be considered until all relevant statements had been received from the provincial commissioner.

"Jongile's behaviour arising from the incident is being investigated at departmental level and all relevant statements have not been received by the provincial commissioner yet," said Mills.

"He is currently off sick but should be back on duty soon," she added.

- Die Burger