Cwele placed on special leave

"This shows that some people are more equal than others and often get special treatment" - DA leader Sizwe Mchunu

HIBISCUS Coast municipality on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast has placed Sheryl Cwele, wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, on special leave after her conviction on dealing in drugs.

Municipal spokesperson Simon Soboyisa said: "Cwele returned to work on Monday as it was her first day after her leave which she took to attend the trial.

"However, she was then informed that, based on the seriousness of the crime of which she has been convicted, while respecting the fact that she has appealed her conviction and sentencing, she is being placed on special leave.

"She will be on leave until such time as the case is finalised."

Soboyisa said the municipality was governed by legislation they had to abide by, including making such decisions.

"This leave is due to the fact that she has appealed ... and, on the other hand, the fact that the High Court has convicted her for such a serious crime is material to the relationship she has with the municipality. Further action might obviously be taken once the appeal decision has been made," he said.

DA leader Sizwe Mchunu said it was "shocking" that Cwele had not been expelled.

"She was found guilty of a serious crime and she should have been dismissed a long time ago. This shows that some people are more equal than others and often get special treatment."

Cwele, who is a director of health services in the municipality, and Nigerian national Frank Nabolisa were sentenced to 12 years in prison each by the Pietermaritzburg high court on Friday.

She is out on a R100,000 bail and Nabolisa is in custody.

She intends to appeal both the sentence and conviction.