Former Edenvale Station Commander Robbie Roberts obtained the representation of Solidarity Trade Union after he was informed that he had been dismissed from the SAPS in a letter dated January 7.
The Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, confirmed that Roberts has been dismissed “following a departmental trial in terms of the SAPS Regulations related to a shooting incident”.
Lt Col Dlamini said Roberts was dismissed on September 27, 2016, and an appeal board confirmed his dismissal on December 29.
“This office is not at liberty to discuss details of the departmental charges as the matter may form part of evidence in further legal proceedings,” said Lt Col Dlamini.
Lt Col Dlamini said no station commander has been officially appointed at the Edenvale Police Station and that Colonel Ben Baloyi has been acting as the station commander.
Solidarity comments
Ms Renate Barnard, the Sector Coordinator for the SAPS at Solidarity, confirmed that Solidarity will represent Roberts in an arbitration session at the Safety and Security, Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) for unfair dismissal.
She pointed out he was dismissed with immediate effect following a departmental trial in terms of the SAPS Discipline Regulations related to the shooting that occurred in October 2015.
“We believe he is a dedicated police officer. He committed no crime and was only executing his duties to the best of his ability. The Labour Relations Act is very clear on the principles that underpin discipline in the workplace – discipline is a corrective measure, not a punitive measure and must be enforced in a fair and rational manner,” said Ms Barnard.
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