Axed SARS worker cries foul

A CLEANER was allegedly fired from work by the South African Revenue Services in Limpopo after his leg was amputated following injuries he sustained while on duty.

Maupi Mathews Letsoalo of GaMothiba village outside Polokwane, is now homeless and lives from hand to mouth because Sars allegedly refuses to pay him.

Letsoalo had worked for Sars from 2004 until he was fired a few weeks after his leg was amputated because it developed a serious sceptic infection.

He claimed he fell while coming down stairs from an office where he had been delivering documents.

"My leg broke in the process and within days it became swollen, making it difficult for me to carry on with my day-to-day work," Letsoalo said.

He claimed that when he asked his employer for absence of leave he was given the runaround.

"I spent about six weeks sleeping and trying to nurse my leg.

"But when I finally got the money to consult professionals, the doctor told me that the leg was seriously damaged and the only option was to amputate it," Letsoalo said.

He said he was then called to a disciplinary hearing for failing to report for duty.

"I tried to show them my medical report but that did not mean anything to them."

The tearful Letsoalo said he was fired at the hearing despite producing a medical report from a doctor.

As if that was not enough, Letsoalo was jilted by his live-in lover of five years soon after his leg was amputated.

Sars spokesperson Andrian Lackay said Letsoalo was diagnosed with cancer.

Lackay said Letsoalo was advised to apply for extended sick leave but he refused to do so.

He was dismissed after a disciplinary hearing found him wanting.