A public order policing (POP) unit in Free State’s Sasolburg has found itself turning trees into work offices. The cops also have no ablution facilities when nature calls.
This comes after the police officers, who were working from a building in Zamdela township that was leased by the public works department, were ejected from the dilapidated building due to occupational health and safety risks.
The police officers had to work under trees and in their cars to complete administrative tasks because they had no offices.
The South African Police Union (Sapu) provincial secretary, Mantoetse Molapo, said the union was disappointed with the police’s current working conditions.
Molapo said that the union and SAPS General Sithole agreed to deliver mobile offices in containers at a May 6 meeting, but it never happened.
Disappointed with SAPS bosses
Molapo said that Sapu was deeply disappointed with the SAPS bosses at the national level for their failure to fulfil commitments made regarding temporary accommodations for members stationed at the Sasolburg POP unit.
“Despite these assurances, SAPS has failed to act, leaving members in an untenable situation with no suitable accommodation or basic facilities,” said Molapo.
“This delay directly impacts the well-being, morale, and operational effectiveness of officers who continue to serve under challenging conditions.
“Sapu Free State condemns the lack of urgency and accountability displayed by SAPS leadership in addressing this crisis.”
Molapo continued: “We demand immediate intervention to uphold the promises made during official engagements and to ensure that our members receive the necessary facilities without further delay.
“Sapu stands firm in protecting the rights and dignity of its members, and we will pursue all necessary avenues to ensure SAPS fulfils its obligations.”
The union urged the SAPS to demonstrate leadership and responsiveness expected in such situations.
“Failure to act will compel Sapu to escalate this matter through all available legal and advocacy channels.”
Management’s efforts not enough
However, Molapo clarified that the labour department’s inspectorate was responsible for the closure of the Sasolburg POP unit on May 2.
“This closure comes after we had deliberation with the management with regard to the risks and health hazards of the unsafe environment to which members’ safety and health are exposed.
“We note efforts and attempts made by management to address this. [However,] it’s proven that this was not enough and appears to be beyond their powers, as there is a wide range of other role players involved; thus, we welcome the closure.
“The employer has obligations in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a workplace that is free of risks and hazards to the well-being of employees using all practical resources at its disposal.
“Sapu Free State is making a call to all members in the province who may be subjected to this kind of working environment that doesn’t meet safety and health standards to come forward and report to us as a union, as there is no member who can be forced to work in a dilapidated and unhealthy environment,” said Molapo.
Lives of members are vital
She also said that the lives of Sapu members are important and that they were not going to gamble with their health and safety.
“As Sapu Free State, we remain resolute in advocating for what is best for our members. A safe working environment and good working conditions – that is what we advocate for our members at all times,” said Molapo.
Responding to Sunday World, national police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said: “The SAPS is aware of the problem, and we are attending to it. We have a site meeting on 21 May.
“We have, in the interim, organised mobile offices to accommodate the members, as the old building can no longer accommodate the expanded number of POP members.”
