UPDATE: Douglasdale police strikers disarmed
DOUGLASDALE - All the police officers who were involved in the protest action at the Douglasdale Police Station have been suspended.
The South African National Police Service issued a statement on 5 February that stated that the management of the service was concerned and disappointed with what transpired at the Douglasdale Police Station on 29 January.
According to the service, certain police officers lodged allegations of racism, favouritism and discrimination against the station management late last year. An investigation was immediately launched and it was found that there were no facts to support the allegations.
Yet on 29 January, the officers persisted and embarked on an illegal gathering and protest on the station premises. Despite being warned that their actions constituted serious misconduct, the officers refused to desist. As a precaution, police management decided that all the police officers who had embarked on the illegal protest should be disarmed.
On 2 February, the affected officers called a meeting with the management of the Douglasdale Police Station and allegedly intimidated and threatened them with violence. As a result, a case of intimidation was opened.
Management from the provincial office, as well as labour representatives, were called to intervene in the matter.
On 5 February, all the officers involved in the intimidation, illegal gathering and protest action were called to a meeting where their behaviour was addressed. 12 officers who were involved in the intimidation incident were issued with suspension notices, which require them to provide adequate reasons as to their misconduct over the 48 hours. A further 33 members were issued with dismissal letters and given 30 days to make written representation to the Minister of Police as to why their dismissal should not be made permanent. A total of 17 members that participated in the intimidation incident, as well as the illegal protest, were given both letters of suspension and dismissal.
Investigations are continuing and more members may be charged.
“Management did everything they could to avoid the situation reaching this stage,” said national commissioner General Riah Phiyega. “Given the highly regulated environment in which we work, we can neither afford nor allow ill-discipline. Although the parties in question have not been found guilty, we are disappointed with their conduct, as rendering professional services to our communities is of paramount importance and cannot be compromised by such serious misconduct.”
Read our previous stories:
Douglasdale police protest over labour dispute
UPDATE: Police on strike during hearing
