87 cops face suspension

2007-08-15 20:18

Johannesburg - The City of Cape Town was on Wednesday evening "in the process" of suspending 87 metro police officers who took part in a morning protest, spokesperson Pieter Cronje said.

"The city is in the process of identifying further participants. Each case will be thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will follow where warranted."

Cronje said the officers blocked the N2 and delayed traffic as they "drove very slowly" to the civic centre to hand over a petition.

The protest was reportedly over staff restructuring and new grades. The officers also wanted to be paid more.

'Embark on illegal strike action'

Cronje said criminal charges had been laid with the police against a number of strikers.

The charges included unlawful strike action, violations of the Firearms Act, obstructing traffic, endangering the lives of people by forcing them to walk on a freeway, and defeating the ends of justice.

Cronje said: "The staff members involved disregarded an instruction from their line managers not to embark on illegal strike action."

Written guarantees that the city's staff placement process would not lead to salary decreases or less favourable conditions of service were given to strikers, he said.

The staff were also warned of legal and disciplinary action including possible dismissal and informed of proper procedures to raise queries and lodge objections.

R35m in salaries

"Potential strikers were advised that they were risking their careers. If they are convicted of a criminal offence, they will not be able to work in the City Police Force in the future," Cronje said.

"They could also face summary dismissal, given the seriousness of the actions."

Two trade unions representing city staff were informed on Tuesday that strike action would be unlawful.

The strikers' memorandum showed that "protest action is not based on working conditions or the risk of losing their jobs".

"They are demanding to be paid on the highest possible pay scale for a constable, which in effect means they are demanding unwarranted blanket promotions," Cronje said.

"This would cost the city an estimated additional R35m in salaries for the city police."

- SAPA