Cops ‘protest’ with absenteeism
Friday October 07 2005
By Luvuyo Mjekula
Source: The Herald Online
Grahamstown – Up to 18 detectives in the Grahamstown policing district have gone on an informal strike, leaving only three to do the work.
The detectives were booking themselves off as “sick” and “stressed”, but this was also a form of protest for the way in which detective posts have been whittled down from 43 to 23, sources said.
The detectives have been complaining internally for months about staff shortages and overwhelming caseloads in the district.
SAPS provincial spokesman Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said he had received a document which stated 16 detectives had booked off sick.
However, Supt Fatyela said he could not confirm this number.
“I spoke to (a) commissioner Landu and he said he needed time before he could give me information,” he said.
Supt Fatyela said the provincial office was not aware of the incident. However, the document stated five detectives had booked off sick on Tuesday and eleven more had left yesterday.
Supt Fatyela added he had received a letter from Popcru which stated police were unhappy with the current work- load, and that the body would be taking action as a result. – ECN
