Wicks suspended again pending conclusion of probe

PAN-AFRICAN conglomerate Lonrho, major investor in SA Independent Liner Services (Sails), has suspended MD Ian Wicks for the second time in two months. This comes despite a positive July 3 Cape High Court ruling in an urgent interdict by Wicks that he be reinstated as MD and his suspension be lifted. Judge Siraj Desai issued a rule nisi calling on Lonrho to respond by August 6 as to why the ruling should not become absolute. Wicks has maintained all along that his initial suspension, on June 3 was unlawful and not preceded by any advisory or reasoning for the move. As the immaculate, green and white Sails charter containerhip Vaal River lay at a berth in FPT’s Cape Town terminal last week, loading mostly reefer cargo for Europe, Lonrho’s Rob Scott confirmed the board decision to re-suspend Wicks, in his (Wicks’) presence. “The fact is he was (initially) suspended, took us to court and the judge found his suspension unprocedural. “We are exactly where we were on June 3; he is suspended pending the conclusion of an investigation which will determine whether there will be a disciplinary hearing or not.” Tasked with solely undertaking the investigation, Scott, Lonrho’s country manager for Southern Africa, says he expects the matter to reach finality soon, possibly within the next few weeks. Asked whether Wicks was at his post, Scott said: “The process does not physically require him to be in the office but he is still MD. “We go in terms of the investigation; Wicks is entitled to, and will get, a fair hearing. I sincerely hope everything pans out for everyone; this is not a witch-hunt.” As to Lonrho’s stance on Judge Desai’s order to respond by August 6, Scott declines to comment, save to say: “I am sure our attorneys have got it under control.” He denies any suggestion Lonrho was intent on removing Wicks from the helm of Sails by buying him out. (Wicks has a personal stake of 8.9% in Sails). • Wicks was unavailable for comment last week, despite frequent attempts by FTW to make contact.