Ekurhuleni Metro Police face disciplinary action after illegal protest
Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face disciplinary actions following their involvement in an illegal protest that disrupted major traffic routes and access to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The city of Ekurhuleni is set to kick start disciplinary actions against more than Three hundred Metro Police officers.
The city initiated the disciplinary process after its police officers were engaged in what the city called illegal protest leading to them blockading several major routes in Ekurhuleni.
According to reports officers were frustrated over salary adjustments, overtime compensation, and also calling for improved working conditions.
The municipality's spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the affected EMPD officers face pre-dismissal processes due to severe misconduct, including the illegal blockade of the R21, N12, N17, and N3 highways.
'This unlawful action significantly disruptedtraffic flow, severely inconvenienced thousands of commuters, and hindered access to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, a designated National Key Point, impacting flight schedules and broader regional connectivity,' Dlamini explained.
He further said that EMPD officers, were classified under essential services, mandated to uphold public safety and order.
Dlamini continued to say the EMPD officers participation in prohibited strike action constituted gross misconduct, which undermined public trust and violated labour laws as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act.
'All implicated officers have been issued pre-dismissal notices and are suspended from duty pending the outcome of their disciplinary hearings. They are required to submit any City-issued equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and official access cards, until the conclusion of the disciplinary process'.
The City is currently collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure continued policing services, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Minister of Police.
Dlamini said this was the municipality's way of reiterating its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability, and ensuring that essential services personnel uphold their responsibility to public safety and order.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
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