Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro police facing dismissal over illegal strike
The metro cops blocked major highways, including Gillooleys Interchange on the R24, Carnival on the N17, the Springs/Daveyton off-ramp on the N12, and the Benoni off-ramp on the R21, causing traffic disruptions, demanding salary increases, overtime compensation, and improved working conditions.
According to GroundUp , the officers complained that their counterparts at the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) work 16 days per month, four days on, four days off, with higher salaries than EMPD officers. The officers said they work 24 days per month with less rest and lower salaries, placing them at a disadvantage.
Additionally, they also cited a lack of danger allowances, which are provided to the officers' counterparts in other metros and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
On Monday, 5 May, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe told Newzroom Afrika that 389 EMPD officers have been served with pre-dismissal notices and have 48 hours to prepare themselves for their upcoming disciplinary hearings where they'll have to explain themselves as to why they should not be dismissed.
'At the moment, they have been suspended, which means that the council on the equipment that they used to do their jobs, which were the vehicles, firearms, and access to various council buildings, has been confiscated. We await to see what the outcome of the disciplinary hearings are,' he said.
Regarding possible avenues the metro cops can use to appeal their case, Mbengashe said they can consult with their union reps, they can also consult with legal representatives, and they can make those representations during the disciplinary hearing.
He said as per legislation, the Ekurhuleni metro police officers are essential services and aren't allowed to go on strike. Additionally, they held various meetings ahead of the strike and could've local labour forum to raise their issues.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Limpopo woman, 20, arrested for alleged murder of 3-month-old baby
A 20-year-old woman will appear before Makhado Magistrate court in Limpopo soon in connection with the alleged murder of a three-month-baby. Police in Bandelierkop under Vhembe District arrested the 20-year-old female following the untimely death of a three-month-old child on Friday, 1 August, at about 18:00 in Mundzedzi village. Police spokesperson in Limpopo, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said police were on patrol duties when they were summoned at Vleifontein clinic at about 18:30 after being informed about two individuals who brought a deceased child to the facility. Upon arrival, a medical officer pointed to the lifeless body of a child on the bed. Ledwaba said the duo informed police that they were seated outside the house with a 20-year-old woman suspect holding the child. 'Reports suggest that while they were seated, the suspect took the child and went inside the house, and after a few minutes, they went inside to check on her. They allegedly found the suspect in a seated position and choking the baby. 'They intervened and took the victim and rushed him to the local clinic, and he succumbed to his injuries. He was declared dead by the medical services personnel,' Ledwaba explained. Additionally, Ledwaba said following the incident, a case of murder was immediately opened and the suspect was traced and subsequently apprehended for the murder of a three-month-old victim. 'The motive behind the incident is unknown, and a 20-year-old suspect who is a relative of the deceased will appear before the Makhado Magistrate's court soon, facing a charge of murder. Police investigations are continuing.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
MEC sends condolences to families of crash victims
MEC for Transport & Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has expressed his condolences to the families of the five people who died in an horrific accident in Bergville today (August 3). The accident happened along the P288 in the Bergville area. Duma said he has sent a team to ensure that they locate the families of the victims. Also read: R12 million for road projects in Driefontein and Acaciavale He committed the department's support to the families during this difficult period. 'Importantly, our focus is to ease the burden on their shoulders. We will work with them to co-ordinate the funeral. We know that each family has a special need and we will work with them throughout the week. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. May the departed souls rest in peace,' said Duma. Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
President Park resident is wary of growing number of vendors
President Park resident Malcom James is concerned about the alleged lack of by-law enforcement at the corner of Modderfontein and Dale roads, wondering if all those vendors around that intersection have approved trading permits. Read more: City digitises informal traders permit application process He said, almost everything is sold there. From livestock and chickens, to fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks. 'It seems like almost every busy intersection is becoming a vending space. It's becoming an awful eyesore as people are selling sheep, chickens, and other items. There's like six or seven people selling different things, which I strongly believe is against the city by-law.' He said, as a tax and rates payer, he is worried that it might be out of control, adding that he is not a bad person, and understood that people needed to make a living, but he questioned if they had vending permits, or were just doing as they pleased. 'They litter everywhere. Johannesburg Metro Police Department [JMPD] passes there every day and don't enforce the by-law. I'm sensitive to people trying to make a living and I'm sympathetic to that, but we also have to consider the value of our properties. Before you know it, they will be erecting shacks there.' JMPD was contacted via their spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla. Their comment will be updated as soon as it becomes available. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
