Update: No SAPS strike for now, Police Minister promises officers they will address promotion backlogs

PARKTOWN – South African Minister of Police Bheki Cele addressed the media after reports of a possible nationwide strike by police members.

March 14, 2019

Sandisiwe Mbhele 1 minute read

Update, 14 March, 11.30am

Police Minister Bheki Cele had an urgent press briefing as a result of reported threats of a looming strike by Gauteng Police. Cele was joined by National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole at the province’s headquarters in Parktown.

Cele said, “The ultimate intended purpose of addressing the long overdue promotions of eight years was aimed at improving the morale and well-being of our members, with the ultimate goal of impacting effectively and efficiently to service delivery. ”

To address the backlog of police promotions, he said he will be having meetings across the country, “I will be meeting with all station commanders of 1 147 police stations in the country including provincial and national management of the SAPS next week Monday, 18 March 2019 in Pretoria, to address and unpack this matter at length and to further engage on other issues of national importance.”

He called for patience from police members as they continue to address the remaining 45 000 members’ long overdue promotions.

Cele clarified that the process had already started, there are no plans of a strike.

Initial report, 14 March, 9am

There have been media reports suggesting that there will be a possible nationwide strike by the police.

According to the reports, South African Police Services members are planning to go on strike on 14 March, due to grievances of being unfairly treated.

Police Minister Bheki Cele called for a press conference to address the matter at the Gauteng provincial police headquarters in Parktown.

Police Minister Bheki Cele and @SAPoliceService National Commissioner General Khehla Sitole will this morning brief the media on threats of SAPS members embarking on a “strike action". #PoliceStrike pic.twitter.com/SALX6d4L7y

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 14, 2019

Our sister publication, North Eastern Tribune journalist Thabo Jobo will attend the briefing and updates will follow.

This is a developing story.

#PoliceMinistry #MediaAlert: Minister of Police, #BhekiCele together with the #SAPSNPC, Gen #Sitole will on Thu, 14/03 at 08:30 brief media on reports of a looming strike action by #SAPS members. Venue: Gauteng SAPS Prov HQ, 16 Empire Rd, Parktown, Jhb. MEhttps://t.co/ZvV9aplDGj pic.twitter.com/GpiBTr2Nig

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 13, 2019