On Wednesday members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) took to the streets to protest against overtime cuts, staff shortages, and a lack of essential resources. Officers, citing extreme under capacitation and deteriorating working conditions, blocked major roads in a demonstration that has raised serious concerns about law enforcement stability in the city.
The protest comes after a citywide 50% cut to overtime budgets, a decision affecting multiple departments, including EMPD. Officers argue that this move has placed unbearable pressure on an already stretched workforce, leaving fewer to no officers on duty, particularly after hours and on weekends.
Earlier this week, ActionSA Chief Whip Cllr Michael Basch met with the Acting Chief of Police to raise concerns about the impact of these cuts. Assurances where made that plans were in place, that senior leadership of EMPD had spoken with the officers and that this wouldn’t be a disruption. However, the party observed an extreme lack of EMPD officers on duty over the weekend, contradicting the assurances given.
The Acting Chief of Police stated that they were considering moving to a shift system to mitigate the impact of the cuts but were waiting for discussions with the Local Labour Forum later this week. Despite these planned engagements, relationship between EMPD leadership and frontline officers appear to have broken down, leading to this drastic action.
Adding to officers’ frustrations is the fact that their salaries are reportedly not on par with other metropolitan police departments, such as Johannesburg and Tshwane. Given the broader economic climate, financial strain is a growing issue. Whilst salaries have been adjusted in line with CPI, tax tables have not been updated, meaning, salary increases come with disproportionately higher tax burdens. Combined with the proposed 0.5% VAT increase, many officers have come to rely on overtime just to make ends meet.
While ActionSA fully supports EMPD officers in their fight for fair working conditions, the party does not condone lawlessness and urges officers to follow the prescript of the law. EMPD is a vital first line of defence against crime. It is disappointing to see this kind of action being taken. There should be a better way to negotiate a solution without disrupting communities.
With Ekurhuleni’s financial situation under strain and officers reaching breaking point, it remains to be seen whether the city can find a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions. We further call on Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakasa to resolve this matter urgently and avoid a second day of disruptions.
ActionSA Troubled by the EMPD Officers Protest Over a Reduction in Overtime Hours
On Wednesday members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) took to the streets to protest against overtime cuts, staff shortages, and a lack of essential resources. Officers, citing extreme under capacitation and deteriorating working conditions, blocked major roads in a demonstration that has raised serious concerns about law enforcement stability in the city.
The protest comes after a citywide 50% cut to overtime budgets, a decision affecting multiple departments, including EMPD. Officers argue that this move has placed unbearable pressure on an already stretched workforce, leaving fewer to no officers on duty, particularly after hours and on weekends.
Earlier this week, ActionSA Chief Whip Cllr Michael Basch met with the Acting Chief of Police to raise concerns about the impact of these cuts. Assurances where made that plans were in place, that senior leadership of EMPD had spoken with the officers and that this wouldn’t be a disruption. However, the party observed an extreme lack of EMPD officers on duty over the weekend, contradicting the assurances given.
The Acting Chief of Police stated that they were considering moving to a shift system to mitigate the impact of the cuts but were waiting for discussions with the Local Labour Forum later this week. Despite these planned engagements, relationship between EMPD leadership and frontline officers appear to have broken down, leading to this drastic action.
Adding to officers’ frustrations is the fact that their salaries are reportedly not on par with other metropolitan police departments, such as Johannesburg and Tshwane. Given the broader economic climate, financial strain is a growing issue. Whilst salaries have been adjusted in line with CPI, tax tables have not been updated, meaning, salary increases come with disproportionately higher tax burdens. Combined with the proposed 0.5% VAT increase, many officers have come to rely on overtime just to make ends meet.
While ActionSA fully supports EMPD officers in their fight for fair working conditions, the party does not condone lawlessness and urges officers to follow the prescript of the law. EMPD is a vital first line of defence against crime. It is disappointing to see this kind of action being taken. There should be a better way to negotiate a solution without disrupting communities.
With Ekurhuleni’s financial situation under strain and officers reaching breaking point, it remains to be seen whether the city can find a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions. We further call on Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakasa to resolve this matter urgently and avoid a second day of disruptions.