South African news sources report that former Umgeni Water human resources director Bongi Mshengu is will take his case to mediation.

Mshengu was accused of allegedly pocketing money given to him by Umgeni to buy a ticket for an overseas trip. Instead, he allegedly used frequent flyer miles he had accumulated on previous business trips, and was subsequently fired.

Umgeni board chairman Omar Latiff told reporters that company policy allowed officials to use frequent flyer miles accumulated on official business for personal trips. Still, Mshengu was fired after 17 years of service.