Lerato Matheka
MASERU — A work-related dispute between two colleagues at the People’s Choice FM left one news presenter with a bruised face after she was slapped by her boss.
Nthabiseng Mokapela, a news presenter, told Xpress People that Buda Moseme who is the head of news slapped her in the face after a minor squabble.
The assault happened on February 9 after the two had a disagreement over a duty schedule.
“Buda slapped me during a work related argument which I will not reveal.
I was told by the management he will be dealt with,” she said.
“I then decided to file an assault case at the Maseru Central Police Charge office,” Mokapela said.
When pressed for details Mokapela referred all questions to the management.
She said she was afraid she could be fired if she gives further details.
The station manager Kholu Qhobela said she could not comment because she wanted to protect the “dignity of the two individuals involved and the station”.
“I am not even aware of the involvement of the police but I still reserve my comment because I am protecting the dignity of the station and the individuals,” Qhobela said.
PC FM’s managing director Motlatsi Majara said Buda could have been dismissed for assaulting another employee.
“It is amazing that nothing has been done about the assault case and to Buda yet he committed a crime.”
“Poor Nthabiseng was told to just forgive Moseme and apparently the police also said they have talked to Moseme. What is that? He needs to be dealt with seriously,” Majara said.
Inside sources close to the pair told Xpress People that Moseme got angry after Mokapela changed the roster for news presenters without telling him.
“Nthabiseng (Mokapela) told Buda he is selfish and thinks high of himself when he refused to hear her explanation,” said the source who is an employee at the station and is privy to the incident.
He said after a heated argument Moseme “then snapped and slapped her. She was bruised”.
The source said Mokapela reported the assault to the management and when nothing was done she reported to the police.
Mohau Thakaso, a board member who claims to be majority shareholder in the station and has fought bitter wars with the managers, said he had been informed about the incident but was yet to brief the board about it.
He however said he was disappointed that the management seems to have taken the matter lightly.
“This is gender based violence and if the issue is before the police then something should be done lawfully,” Thakaso said.
“The station is operated by people who don’t care about the welfare of the staff and the board is looking into how the working conditions could be homely,” he said.
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