Angry fire station boss protests 'witchcraft, drunk staff'

FED up with what he claims are "witchcraft" practices against him at work coupled with alleged drunkenness among his fire-fighters, a Port Elizabeth fire station chief staged a one-man protest during rush hour traffic yesterday.

Dressed in full fire-fighting gear, Kwazakhele fire station commander Elwin Jacobs, 47, arrived outside the South End Fire Department in Walmer Boulevard shortly after 6.10am with placards.

They included the slogans "Bullying tactics", "Mr Manager, the fire department is not your property" and "Unfair labour practice reins in this department".

Jacobs's protest immediately attracted the attention of the metro's safety and security executive director, Shane Brown, who went to speak to him, but Jacobs nevertheless continued his protest until 8am.

In his list of grievances, Jacobs highlighted ill-discipline among his subordinates who he alleged bought alcohol and often drank openly during working hours, forcing him to confiscate the liquor.

Jacobs said that when he tried to take action against the fire-fighters, they often retaliated by either putting a plastic bag containing "muti" on the door of his locker or punctured the tyres of his car.

He said he had reported these incidents to management but they had done nothing to address the problem. His request to be transferred had also been ignored.

Jacobs, who has been with the department for 22 years, recalled an incident on June 5 when he and a colleague were summoned to a fire in Kwazakhele. Along the way, he discovered the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Jacobs said when confronted, the driver simply stopped the fire engine and ran away.

The person they had intended to help died in the blaze.

"When I got to my next shift, I discovered strange stuff," he said.

"There was a witchcraft bag wrapped around the door of my cupboard.

"I did not know what this meant, but I am scared.

"I also found that the tyre of my car was deliberately damaged and the frame of a bed we use at work was also damaged.

"Instead of helping me, I am being bullied by management," Jacobs alleged.

"I am so frustrated. This is a life-threatening issue. It's illogical for them to say I must report back to an environment that is hostile towards me."

Municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said although they did not comment on internal issues involving employees, it was important to confirm there was a labour issue between the employer and employee.

Jacobs has been booked off sick for a month by a doctor due to work-related issues.

Mniki said: "The issue is being dealt with and prioritised.

"There are processes under way that the employer is following.

"We would also advise that Jacobs keeps the communication on this issue between him, his [union] representative and the municipality ... "We advise against discussing these issues in the media as it has the potential of compromising him and his professional image." - Hendrick Mphande