Bedfordview Edenvale News reports that six months after the unlawful protest by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers brought major transport routes to a standstill, questions remain unanswered regarding disciplinary action against those involved.

Following the illegal protest on 19 March, senior city officials announced that the matter had been escalated to the MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, for handling. However, no update or formal communication has been issued regarding the status of the matter. In a media briefing held earlier this year, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza condemned the protest action as deeply irresponsible and unlawful, noting that EMPD officers were essential service providers prohibited from engaging in industrial action. Notwithstanding repeated commitments to hold individuals accountable and restore public trust, enquiries sent to Masuku have gone unanswered, leaving the public in the dark about any outcomes, resolutions, or ongoing investigations.

The protest saw EMPD officers using city-issued vehicles and service firearms to blockade critical highways, including the R21, N12, N17, and N3, effectively paralysing movement to and from OR Tambo International Airport, a designated national key point. The protest was sparked by frustration over reduced overtime allocations, an issue raised by the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu). At the time, city officials maintained that overtime was tied to operational demands and performance, and was not an entitlement.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lonwabo Keswa at Bedfordview Edenvale News

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