By Doreen Mokgolo
- Officers blocked roads including the N12 and N17 in protest, saying they were let down by their unions.
- SAPS and Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens were forced to fill the gap left by the absent EMPD officers.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers stayed off the roads during the long Easter weekend, refusing to work the four hours of overtime offered by the City.
Those who did show up didn’t issue fines, and some refused to do their full duties, calling the pay “peanuts” that would be eaten up by tax and fuel costs.
The officers’ action follows the City’s decision last month to cut their maximum overtime from 40 to 16 hours.
Traffic officers also avoided attending accidents, crimes and funeral escorts. Their absence left SAPS and provincial wardens to take over patrols and emergency response.
One officer, who didn’t want to be named, told Scrolla.Africa the City had replied to their complaints — but they were not happy with the answer.
“The City took the matter to the unions. We are not happy with that because they failed us before, even in 2020,” he said.
He said officers don’t want their old overtime hours back, they want a pay rise and the same benefits as officers in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
“When we joined the department, overtime was part of our salary. It helped us qualify for housing bonds and home loans,” he said.
Some officers said the four extra hours of overtime wouldn’t cover their costs and would still be taxed. They also felt it was unfair that the department only offers extra hours when it suits them.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed some officers worked while others went on a go-slow.
“We’re looking into how their actions affected City services and will take action where needed,” he said.
Pictured above: Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
Image source: EMPD
