By Doreen Mokgolo
- Officers are accused of blocking roads and scaring drivers during a protest over changes to overtime.
- The City says it will look at each case separately and give a chance to those who show remorse.
Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says 389 officers from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department have been sent letters asking them to explain their role in an illegal strike on 19 March.
The officers are in trouble for blocking roads using City vehicles, wearing their uniforms and carrying guns. Roads including the R21, N17, N12, N3 and even access to OR Tambo International Airport were shut down.
The protest started after the City decided to cut down overtime hours from 40 to 16. The officers said they depended on that extra pay to survive.
The City identified the officers using videos and pictures — in some, they are seen scaring and threatening drivers.
Xhakaza said the strike broke the City’s rules and labour laws.
“The pre-dismissal process allows each officer to send in a written explanation,” he said. “We extended the deadline to Friday after talks with SAMWU.
“This is not a blanket decision. Each officer will be looked at on their own, and we will consider if they are sorry and what they say.”
Xhakaza also said the claim that EMPD officers earn less than others is not true.
“They are among the best paid in the country — even more than many SAPS officers. Tshwane officers once went on strike asking to earn the same as EMPD.
“We’ve kept our promises on all salary and overtime increases for over two years. Overtime is not a right. It depends on the City’s needs and how officers perform,” he said.
He added that they are still talking with unions about salaries, night shift pay and stand-by pay.
Acting EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi said four criminal cases were opened by SAPS after the strike. No one has been arrested yet, and the cases are still being investigated.
Pictured above: Ekurhuleni executive.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
