THE Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) says it fully advocates for the review of the danger allowance for all public sector employees who continue to find themselves exposed to dangerous and life-threatening operational working conditions on a daily basis.
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Communications Officer of Popcru, Richard Mamabolo said the current danger allowance rate of R400 per month did not complement the nature of police duties, the work environment, the nature and extent of the risks they are exposed to and the frequency of the risks associated to their categories of work.
“In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of prison officials being attacked within Correctional centres across the country, mainly due to overcrowding and understaffing and the lack of proper shift systems.”
“Similarly, many of our police and traffic officers continue to be killed on a regular basis, leaving behind orphaned children, widows and widowers. This has shown that compared to the current danger allowance, the danger associated with the risks they endure are far greater,” he said.
“The R250 000 death benefit given to SAPS members who died in the line of duty has also proven to be unsustainable for many families with kids who have to go to school and in sustaining basic family needs,” added Mamabolo.
In conclusion Mambolo said the union was appealing to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to review the danger allowance, and in the middle-term ensure that a consideration for an insurance that covers all danger-exposed employees be considered.
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