Johannesburg, South Africa – Woolworths South Africa has exhausted its legal avenues after a series of court battles regarding the dismissal of an employee, Lorain Maseko. Ms. Maseko was fired in 2018 after submitting medical certificates from a Dr. Frempong that Woolworths suspected were fraudulent.
Maseko’s Dismissal and Subsequent Appeals
Maseko submitted two medical certificates from Dr. Frempong in 2016 and 2018. Woolworths, having received prior warnings about Dr. Frempong’s practice, launched an investigation upon receiving the second certificate. The investigation concluded that the certificates were irregular, leading to Maseko’s dismissal for misconduct.
Maseko challenged her dismissal at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), arguing she was genuinely sick on both occasions. The CCMA ruled in her favor, finding no evidence of her dishonesty. Woolworths appealed to the Labour Court and subsequently the Appeal Division of the Labour Court, but lost both appeals.
Key Points of the Case
- The case centered on whether Woolworths could fire an employee based on suspicion of a doctor’s practices, without concrete proof the employee themself was dishonest.
- The Labour Appeal Court found irrelevant the observations of Woolworths’ investigators regarding Dr. Frempong’s surgery, even if suspicious activity occurred.
- Dr. Frempong himself testified, claiming qualifications from prestigious institutions and defending the legitimacy of his practice.
Outcome and Implications
This case sets a precedent for employer-employee relations in South Africa. It highlights the importance of focusing on the employee’s actions, rather than solely relying on suspicion about external parties (like a doctor) to justify dismissal.