THE saga over the suspension of Polokwane's municipal manager appears to be far from over.

Letsepe Thubakgale received his third suspension letter from the council last Thursday, despite the council had allegedly telling him to return to work.

The embattled manager was first suspended on May 28 after allegations of financial mismanagement and for failing to cooperate with his colleagues.

Polokwane executive mayor Thabo Makunyane announced Thubakgale's 60-day suspension but failed to provide him with a charge sheet.

Realising that the 60-day period had lapsed, Thubakgale returned to work on July 29 on the advice of his lawyers.

But Makunyane suspended him again.

The hearing was scheduled for August 11.

Thubakgale then challenged his suspension in the Labour Court, which ruled that he should return to work.

On August 7, Thubakgale received another letter from the municipality advising him to resume work on August 11.

On arrival at work on August 11, he was given another letter notifying him of the intention to suspend him.

He was instructed to provide reasons in writing why he should not be suspended.

He refused to provide the reasons, saying he viewed the action as contempt of court.

He again approached the Labour Court.

In the latest episode, Makunyane had allegedly requested permission from the council to suspend Thubakgale for another three months to prevent him from interfering with witnesses.