MEC Thabo Manyoni: Police Roads and Transport met members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) (Commissioned and non-commissioned) representing the various units in the Institution. The meeting was opened by Colonel Mahape who read from Ezekiel 37 vs. 1 - 14. Her message was that everything is possible with God and that members should articulate positive messages and energy to others.
Salient points from MEC Speech:
- The MEC has been deployed to the Free State to come and work with men and women in blue some of them have been here since the dawn of democracy. His mandate is just to switch on the power (electricity) so that things can happen. ‘Kuyasheshwa’
- The MEC is here to serve the SAPS members and the members in turn must pledge to serve the Free State community diligently and selflessly.
- The mandate of the MEC derives from the Constitution (Act 108/ 1996) chapter 11 articles 206, 207 and 208. There is concurrence of power in terms of appointing Provincial Commissioners (Article 207 (3). In terms of the Constitution, the MEC is vested with powers to perform certain functions and he is the Accounting Authority.
- Members must understand that a new Jockey is riding the horse and they therefore should oblige.
- With all humility, the MEC is calling for cooperation from all quarters.
- For the first six months, the MEC is inviting all members who wish to confide with him to do so (Open door Policy – No protocol) Commanders must not do gate keeping.
- Urges Commanders to give audience to persons in distress. Some members have personal problems that compromise their productivity and require managers to counsel them and show sympathy.
- The MEC gave a brief report about the summit he attended last weekend at Birchwood, Boksburg.
Killing of the Police and brutality visited by criminals to the Police. It is a sad story that criminals have decided to be merciless and the members must adopt that attitude. Most Police killings happen in townships and informal settlements. The most unfortunate part of it is that Police are killed within communities that need their services the most. It would be a sad day if Police were to decide to withdraw their services from these downtrodden communities.
- Police Service is a “calling” not a job – when members wake up in the morning they have to greet their family members because they are not sure that they will come back still alive.
- Minister Mthethwa has invited all MECs’ and media people to come and witness the pain and profound grief of a family that will be burying an officer – See the tears oozing from a four year old and a four month toddler as they look at the coffin of their mother sinking to the grave.
- Killing of Police is not prevalent in the Free State and must be kept like that.
- Police Stations ought to have all the tools of the trade in terms of the norms and standards. Members must find solace when coming to the workplace. It must not be stressful
- S&T and overtime must be paid promptly. This is a directive that must be carried. Managers must learn to budget appropriately.
- Request memo / submission must not spend more than two days on a desk.
- MEC will visit all Police Stations to get first hand information. Days of honeymoon are over. People must pull their sleeves and serve the communities.
Non-negotiables:
- Drunk at Work (Inebriety)
- Late coming
- Assaulting others (Grievous bodily harm)
- Corruption
- Women abuse
- Collusion with criminals
The MEC is prepared to bargain with unions on the conditions of service and not with non negotiables.
- SAPS will be supported with resources.
- Police management (Brigadiers & Commanders) must not only command but must be seen fighting crime side by side with foot soldiers. (be at war with foot troopers)
- Equity in terms of gender leaves much to be desired. Men are always in the majority. Non- sexism is Policing of the ruling party and must be evident at all levels.
- Nepotism must come to an end. New comers must not override people with experience. Nothing surpasses experience.
- People must not be parachuted to come and manage those who are long in the service.
- The MEC related a story of his brother’s bakkie that was stolen in Kroonstad and was recovered in Tumahole, Parys – courtesy of an old lady who heard the announcement on radio (Lesedi). There are career criminals known by Police but nothing happens to them. Collusion of Police and criminals is a scourge that must be eradicated. MEC pleads with Police criminals to desist from their criminal behaviours otherwise they are going to be squeezed out of the service.
- Batho Pele must be what it should be, People First – Best services to the people. Navalsig Police Station is abides by the principles of Batho Pele.
- Chewing gum by members because they are drunk is not acceptable. When you ask them they tell you its late drinking.
- Police must respect their profession so that they can be respected by communities.
- The Caledon Boarder Post is infested with criminal activities by Police. These must be rooted out.
- Communities allege Police members steal cattle particularly in Qwaqwa. Instead of arresting thieves, they themselves are stock thieves.
- Crime Intelligence Unit has to be revisited. Corruption and other deviant acts are rampant. (Case in point, is the Colonel’s house that was petrol bombed at Meloding, Virginia and culprits are known and nothing happened to them. It’s a sad story that members are prepared to even take lives of their own for their nefarious and selfish ends.
- Stealing of Dockets must come to an end with immediate effect.
- Some Police members are involved in illegal taxi industry. When operations are planned they then inform their colleagues who are running pirate taxis.
- Police visibility is of paramount importance.
- The MEC addresses taxi owners not drivers who misbehave and blockade routes.
- Members should frequently visit mobile Police Stations to give support otherwise criminals are going to target them.
- It’s important to provide Police with resources such as vehicles so as to be able to do their work effectively.
- MEC expects a report about questionable promotions. It cannot be correct that some dedicated officers spend years in the same rank whilst new comers climbs the ladder very quickly
- SAPS must account to the Legislature annually. The MEC will lead that delegation. He will support members who have integrity and desert the incorrigible.
Closing remarks:
In closing the MEC committed himself that he will serve the members equitably (with fairness) and will dedicate most of his energies to the foot soldiers. He acknowledged that the Occupational Dispensation can be problematic and needs to be reviewed. People in Management echelons get recognised at the expense of foot soldiers. He pleaded with management to recognise diligent and hardworking personnel and commend them with regard to their efforts. The court has declared Traffic an essential service just like SAPS and officers will have to work shifts 24/7.
Questions and comments
- Captain Modise (Philipolis): Complained about the bottlenecks with regard to promotions. Suggested that Police Stations be upgraded.
- Sergeant Mohabe: Concurs with the view that Crime intelligence is infested with corruption.
- Lieutenant Colonel Mokoena (Hawks): Is happy that the MEC has addressed them. However he would like to know how long it will take the MEC, to resolve the endemic problems including recognition and promotions.
- Ntate Mothabeng (Botshabelo): Lamented their confused roles – they are Security but also do clerical work.
- Lieutenant Colonel Madela (Boithuso): complained about having to use her private vehicle to travel to and from Botshabelo. Management does not want to resolve her problems. She resides in Bloemfontein. She even does standby with her private vehicle.
- Warrant Officer (Bainsvlei): Has 30 years experience and remained at that level for years despite rendering dedicated service. Recently he got an e-mail saying he is going to the level of Lieutenant not even Captain.
- Lieutenant Letoane (Detectives): Also claimed to be well disciplined and dedicated to his job. Has 32 years experience and has trained many of the who is who in the Police Service without getting any reward or promotion.
Members who die in the line of duty: The MEC pleaded with powers that be in the service to empathise with families who have lost members. If it needs be, a Police vehicle should be dispatched to Pretoria to go and submit claims on behalf of the deceased so that the family can conduct a decent funeral.
Source: Free Start Department of Police, Roads and Transport
