Latest news with #Popcru
IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Labour court grants high-ranking police officer interim relief following ‘unlawful' dismissal
In its application, the Police and Prison Civil Rights Union, on behalf of Major-General Deena Moodley, said his termination was unlawful and contrary to his employment conditions with the SAPS. Image: Supplied A HIGH-RANKING police officer, who claimed he was 'unfairly' dismissed after he failed to attend a fitness inquiry due to ill-health, approached the Labour Court of South Africa in Johannesburg for urgent interim relief, which was granted. In its application, the Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (Popcru), on behalf of Major-General Deena Moodley, said his termination was unlawful and contrary to his employment conditions with the SAPS. Moodley sought interim relief, which included being reinstated without loss of remuneration or benefits such as medical aid, pending the outcome of a review application that the decision of the SAPS to convene a Fitness Board of Inquiry in terms of section 34(1) of the South African Police Services Act No. 68 of 1995 was unlawful. The outcome of the review would also declare that his dismissal was in breach of his conditions of employment and therefore invalid. Moodley sought that the matter be heard on an urgent basis because 'he was seriously ill, required medical attention, and his medical aid membership had been terminated as a result of the SAPS' unlawful conduct'. According to the judgment recently handed down by Judge Reynaud Daniels, Moodley served in the SAPS for more than 30 years until his dismissal on May 14, 2025. At the time of his dismissal, Moodley was a senior member of the SAPS. He had been the Head of SAPS Crime Intelligence: Collection until he was transferred to the Divisional Inspectorate on October 20, 2023. Moodley previously served as the head of Crime Intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal. According to the court papers, shortly thereafter, Moodley felt unwell and consulted a medical practitioner. His medical condition persisted. 'The applicant (Moodley) was absent from work for varying periods between late 2023 and 2025, apparently submitting medical certificates from time to time. As a result of his absences from work, on or about April 4, 2025, the SAPS issued a notice to the applicant in terms of section 34(1) of the SAPS Act. 'The notice informed the applicant that a Fitness Board of Enquiry would be convened on 24 and 25 April to determine his fitness for duty, in accordance with section 34(1)(b), (c) and (e) of the SAPS Act. The applicant, being unwell, consulted with a specialist psychiatrist who issued a medical certificate, booking him off from 7 April to 7 May,' it read. On April 16, Popcru wrote a letter to Colonel SB Ntuli, in his capacity as the chairperson of the inquiry. They advised him that Moodley had been booked off until May 7. In the letter, Popcru requested that the inquiry be postponed. 'Despite the request for a postponement, the hearing was convened on April 24. Popcru attended the hearing, but the applicant was absent, and presented the chairperson with a medical certificate and an affidavit from the medical practitioner. 'By agreement, the hearing was postponed to May 5, despite the chairperson being advised that the applicant was booked off until May 7. The chairperson required the parties to make written submissions by May 5,' it read. From April 29, Popcru and Moodley's attorneys attempted to secure an undertaking from the SAPS that the hearing would not proceed, to no avail. By May 5, Moodley had failed to make any representations, and the chairperson of the inquiry considered only the representations from the SAPS, the court papers read. On May 6, Moodley launched an urgent review application, which came before Acting Judge Matyolo on May 13. 'The court accepted that the matter was urgent but dismissed the application on the basis that the application was premature because no finding had yet been made by the fitness board. On the following day, the applicant was notified that he had been dismissed. 'In the minutes of the inquiry, the chairperson, Colonel SB Ntuli, despite the absence of the applicant found, on or about 10 May, that the applicant was unwilling to fulfill his employment contract, and unwilling to repent for his lengthy absences from work. In addition, the chairperson stated that the applicant is unconcerned with the employer's operational needs and values,' it read. According to the court papers, on May 13, the Divisional Commissioner Crime Intelligence, which is the convening authority, decided to terminate Moodley's services. In addition, the Divisional Commissioner Crime Intelligence, found inter-alia that Moodley had been absent from work since his transfer in late 2023. 'He noted that the applicant had submitted medical certificates which covered only part of the period of his absence, that the applicant had not secured the security clearance required to perform his duties, and that the applicant had been absent from duty without leave. 'The minutes of the Board, and the recommendations of the chairperson, were not forwarded to the applicant. The applicant, therefore did not make representations to the convening authority regarding the recommendations of the Board,' it read. In handing down judgment, Daniels said it was common cause that a section 34(1) inquiry was not a substitute for a disciplinary procedure. 'The respondents contended that the Board has a discretion to convert the inquiry into a disciplinary hearing. This is incorrect, for several reasons. The Disciplinary Regulations are clear that the alleged conduct of the applicant, absence without reason or permission, constitutes misconduct. This must therefore be dealt with in a disciplinary process. 'The (police) minister has not published any guidelines in terms of section 34(3) of the SAPS Act catering for the circumstances under which such an inquiry may be converted or deemed to have been converted into disciplinary proceedings,' he said. Daniels said by proceeding with the inquiry and failing to refer the issue to a disciplinary hearing to be conducted in accordance with the Discipline Regulations, the respondents breached Moodley's contract of employment. He said among the requirements for the granting of an interim interdict, an applicant must establish a prima facie right even if it is open to some doubt. 'The applicant has proven his prima facie right. The papers reveal that there is a reasonable apprehension of irreparable harm. Absent his medical aid, and continued income, the health of the applicant will be in jeopardy,' he said. Daniels said Moodley had also proven the breach of his employment contract. He said pending the final determination of the review application, an order was granted declaring that the respondents' dismissal of Moodley was in breach of his conditions of employment and therefore unlawful. Daniels also ordered that Moodley be reinstated into his previous position without loss of remuneration or benefits. THE POST
The South African
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Popcru rejects call to bring back corporal punishment in prisons
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has rejected Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald's call to reintroduce corporal punishment in South African prisons, calling it a dangerous step backwards for human rights and justice reform. Groenewald suggested the return of corporal punishment during a parliamentary budget debate, claiming it could address prison overcrowding caused by inmates who cannot afford bail. Over 60 000 people are in custody awaiting trial, with more than 2000 unable to pay bail amounts of less than R1000. 'We reject in the strongest terms the notion of using violence as a tool of correction,' said Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo, according to Jacaranda FM News. ADVERTISEMENT Constitutional Rights, which abolished corporal punishment under threat Mamabolo warned that the proposal undermines decades of legal progress, particularly the Constitutional Court ruling in State v Williams and Others (1995), which abolished corporal punishment in South Africa. 'Groenewald proposes not only a reversal of legal progress but an erosion of a rights-based society,' he said. Popcru argues that the justice system should uphold rehabilitation and reintegration, not corporal punishment. The union emphasised that correctional centres are not institutions for revenge or dehumanisation, but places meant for safe custody and positive transformation of offenders. Rising Costs and Overcrowding Groenewald told Parliament that overcrowding continues to place severe pressure on prison infrastructure and budgets. He revealed that the state spends more than R11 million daily to accommodate 24 000 foreign nationals in prisons. The union called for long-term solutions that address socioeconomic inequalities and the backlog in court processes rather than reverting to corporal punishment. ADVERTISEMENT Mamabolo stated, bringing back corporal punishment is unconstitutional, dangerous and a direct violation of human rights. Should the state prioritise cost-cutting and crowd control, or defend constitutional principles even in the face of growing pressure on the justice system? 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.
News24
02-07-2025
- News24
R1000 Bail for two Evaton police officers accused of murdering fellow cop
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has called for the killings of police officers to be treated as treason. This after two police officers, Sergeant Piet Matsoso (38) and Sergeant Siyabonga Kunene (31) together with their friend Hofney Morobe (36) made their first appearance at the Sebokeng Magistrates court today for the alleged murder of another police officer, Constable Gift Mokoena. The accused handed themselves over to the police on Monday (30th June) following intense police investigations. The trio is facing charges in connection to an incident that occurred on the evening of 16 May 2021. The three officers stationed at Evaton police station were off duty and driving around the Golden Gardens area with their friend before the terrible ordeal. The officers allegedly spotted a vehicle suspected of being involved in a house robbery and began pursuing it. The car is said to have stopped at a nearby BP petrol station, where the accused officers confronted and allegedly assaulted the four male occupants in the pursued vehicle. Read more | G ogo Maweni's trial postponed until birth of her twins After the alleged assault, they took one of the suspect's cellphone and car keys. Honfey Morobe, accompanied by Matsoso and Kunene, allegedly drove the victims around before handing them over to members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF). Unfortunately, a mob attack ensued. Morobe and Mokoena allegedly joined the community members in assaulting the suspects. In the midst of the assault, Morobe allegedly walked away from the group, took Matsoso's service firearm from the vehicle, and fatally shot Mokoena. The deceased cop was rushed to Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The National Prosecuting Authority's spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says that the state did not oppose the release of the accused on bail on basis that they handed themselves over. Read more | Woman slapped by Cala police officer for greeting him speaks out: 'I can't hear properly now' 'The accused handed themselves over to the authorities and voluntarily cooperated. They face an array of charges including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the ends of justice, and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol,' says Mahanjana. Mahanjana adds that the addresses of the accused have been verified and the prosecutor submitted an affidavit by the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Nyongwana, confirming that the investigation is complete and that the witnesses are not known to the accused people, therefore posing no risk of interference. The matter was postponed to the 4th of September 2025 for a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) spokesperson Richard Mamabolo expressed concern over ongoing police killings in the country. 'Law enforcement officers have become targeted victims of the worst crime, with attacks and killings escalating in South Africa. The stability of the country has become under attack with officers being killed. Some are attacked while guarding inmates, traffic and police officers are ambushed when conducting potential firearms and uniforms get stolen with the probable intention of committing further crimes. This needs to be treated with urgency, he says.'
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
Popcru and Cosatu march for justice after sexual abuse claims rock Saps
Amid growing complaints of misconduct and sexual abuse, Popcru and Cosatu say trainees must be protected and perpetrators held accountable. A group of members from the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) marched yesterday to demand respect for workers in the industry. Union members marched from Burger Park to the national police commissioner's office to hand over a memorandum of demands which forms part of their Restore Dignity campaign. The campaign aims to defend workers' rights, uphold human dignity in the criminal justice cluster and demand decisive action against systemic injustices affecting members of the South African Police Service and Correctional Services. Misconduct and sexual exploitation allegations Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said the march comes in light of the many misconducts and allegations of sexual exploitation at Saps training facilities and workplaces in general. Mamabolo said the march followed a recent event at a training college where a trainee was sexually assaulted. Earlier this year, a 59-year-old officer was arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old trainee and sexually assaulting another at the Pretoria Police Training Academy. NOW READ: Alleged rape at police academy: Popcru calls for transparency and justice 'The matter is currently appearing before the court, so as part of awareness and communicated clearly that they need to take action. Police should be a place of safety. Trainees should not be vulnerable and those who perpetrate sexual assault need to be held accountable,' he said. Memorandum of demands Mamabolo said their demands included victim processes, a 24-hour anonymous hotline for members and condemning any form of sexual harassment in the workplace. 'Since that incident, we have had a lot of people coming forward with similar challenges, not just in Gauteng but across the country. We will be following up on those complaints,' he said. 'Sexual harassment is a serious violation of human rights and a gross abuse of power.' Cosatu calls for respect and dignity Cosatu general secretary Solly Phetoe said the security departments did not respect the legislation of the country, with issues of the abuse of workers and the abuse and sexual harassment of women. Phetoe called for the respect and dignity of workers and said they must act against anybody abusing the rights of workers. ALSO READ: Cosatu says debate on B-BBEE is needed for beneciaries' benefit
eNCA
24-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Union slams SAPS over abuse and misconduct claims
PRETORIA - Police union Popcru is taking to the streets in a Restore Dignity march raising red flags over abuse and sexual misconduct within SAPS training facilities and workplaces. The union is calling for accountability, protection for whistleblowers, and urgent action across the security sector.
