Cop to be promoted after 12-year wait

2011-02-16 17:41

Johannesburg - The Labour Court ordered on Wednesday that a policeman should finally be promoted after waiting 12 years for advancement, trade union Solidarity said.

The court ordered that Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Jacobus Deetlefs be promoted to colonel, said Solidarity deputy general secretary Dirk Hermann in a statement.

"Deetlefs is an experienced and capable employee who spent years fighting for promotion and for recognition of the work he did. Justice has finally prevailed," he said.

Deetlefs had been a lieutenant-colonel in the police's crime intelligence unit. He was the commander of the interception and monitoring component.

"Although the post was not advertised and Deetlefs performed all the duties and responsibilities associated with the rank of senior superintendent, he presented reasons for upgrading his post to the rank of senior superintendent. However, he was not promoted."

The post was advertised in August 2009, and Deetlefs applied for it. He and two other candidates were called for interviews.

"Even though Deetlefs was identified as the best candidate for the post by the interview panel and met all the requirements of the post, he was not promoted.

"A second round of interviews was held with Deetlefs and two other candidates in September. Once again he was identified as the best candidate, but he was not promoted," said Hermann.

Deetlefs lodged a grievance in December 2009.

"The SAPS informed him that 50% representation of women was required in the police and that Deetlef's appointment in the post in question would have impeded this target."

In May last year, he lodged a compliant with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the matter was referred to the labour court.

The court ruled in his favour on Wednesday.

- SAPA