Metro cops go on the rampage in Durban

2012-08-21 09:24

Durban City Hall (File)

Durban - Metro police officers went on the rampage in the Durban city centre, demanding that contract workers get appointed permanently, the Mercury reported on Tuesday.

The officers were also demanding that metro boss Eugene Nzama be removed immediately from his position.

The officers reportedly blocked roads, barged into the administration offices and threatened to burn down the city hall if their demands were not met.

They also toyi-toyied, banged on taxis and stopped cars from driving in Dr Pixley kaSeme Street.

According to the Mercury, members of the SA Police Service called in to control the crowd appeared nervous as the metro police officers were armed with service weapons.

Mayor James Nxumalo addressed the officers and assured them the city was dealing with their grievances.

"If we say temporary employees will be converted to permanent staff we do not mean that will be implemented tomorrow [Wednesday].

"We are guided by rules and regulations. Just give the city manager a chance to implement our decision," Nxumalo was quoted as saying in the Mercury.

He told the officers to give the city until Thursday to deal with the matter.

Nzama was placed on special leave in July after metro officers went on strike.

The city's disaster management head Vincent Ngubane replaced Nzama.

However Nzama approached the Durban Labour Court to challenge his special leave and resumed his duties in before his special leave ended.

- SAPA