Police chief testifies in alleged wrongful dismissal case |18 May 2005

Mr Quilindo appeared before the court Monday and Tuesday to provide testimony in the case, in which nine former officers, along with two special constables, lodged a claim for damages against the commissioner and the government after their offices were abolished.

Mr Quilindo’s testimony, which is not under oath, is expected to wrap up on Wednesday. A ruling in the case could come as early as next week.

Chief Justice Vivekanand Aleear is presiding over the case.

According to the lawyer for the plaintiffs, Frank Ally, the former officers – two of whom were assistant commissioners – contest that their termination was “unlawful, wrongful, unjustified and vexatious.”

In statements made through the media in late 2003, Mr Quilindo said the police officers were made redundant because they were not performing to his expectations, and that also because their posts were not needed in a country the size of Seychelles.

Mr Ally told Nation that the former officers are each seeking R100,000 in damages, and are asking to be re-instated.

Mr Ally is being assisted by Priscille Chetty for the plaintiffs in the case. Principal state counsel Ronny Govinden is representing Mr Quilindo and the government.