Karabo Ntanzi
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Northern Cape has called for an investigation into allegations of abuse of power at the Roodepan Police Station.
Popcru said they are concerned by recent developments of allegations of abuse of authority, interference in criminal investigations and violations of labour agreements by the Station Commander. In its statement, Popcru states that recently, members of the Roodepan Crime Prevention Unit opened a criminal case against the daughter and son-in-law of the Station Commander for allegedly dealing in drugs.
“The suspects were arrested and released on the same day. Immediately following their arrest, the Station Commander launched what can only be described as a campaign of intimidation and victimisation against the officers involved in the arrest,” said Popcru statement.
One of the first retaliatory steps taken by the Station Commander was the unilateral reshuffling of members within the Crime Prevention Unit and shift arrangements, without any consultation as required by SSSBC Agreement 2 of 2009. This is a direct violation of collective bargaining protocols and undermines the labour rights of affected Officers.
The union stated that, despite formally advising SAPS management to follow proper processes in accordance with the agreement, the interventions were ignored. The reshuffling was enforced without consultation, escalating tensions in the Station.
In response, the SAPS Provincial Management acknowledged the concerns and allegations raised by POPCRU. SAPS indicated that they have an internal grievance procedure that allows employees an opportunity to raise their dissatisfaction or discontent.
The statement reads:” In relation to the allegations of interference in criminal cases by SAPS officials, the public is urged to register a case at a local police station for further investigation. In SAPS there is a Transfer/Rotation policy which regulates the transfer of personnel within the organisation”.
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