Come on Rob,
A couple of urban myths here.
I did a bit of check and training on the "dark contintent" some years ago and the Affs were so keen to follow "the rules"!! They were actually tiresome in their pursuit of "the rules" hoping, I suppose, that by following all the rules they would be safe pilots. Totally wrong!!!
I can, however, easily believe that this F/O (for want of a better name for him/her) could be so absolutely incompetent. I spent some time in the area after wearing out my welcome in parts of Africa. Seen quite a few like that and scrubbed a couple, hence my persona non grata status in the sub continent. OTOH, I can sleep nights easily with a clear conscience.