Saps awaits action from Solidarity

On April 2, the Labour Court ruled in favour of the Saps, ending a lengthy court battle in which Solidarity claimed minority groups were being unfairly discriminated against with appointments at the level of lieutenant, captain, and major.

 

"In this judgment the case was dismissed in favour of the Saps. Solidarity has 15 working days in which to lodge an appeal against the judgment, which date lapses on 28 April 2015," said Saps spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale.

 

Solidarity had approached the Labour Court asking it to determine the legality of the promotions of scores of police officers. The Saps was interdicted from promoting any member to the above mentioned ranks until the court had ruled on the matter.

 

National police commissioner Riah Phiyega welcomed the court ruling.

 

"It has been a painful process for our people because Solidarity literally removed food off their tables by abusing our country's Constitution to deny them promotions," she said in a statement.

 

"This is very upsetting because we are doing our best as management to encourage our members to work harder in order to improve the safety of our communities. We all know that police officials, given the risks that they face on a daily basis, earn a pittance. Any opportunity to improve their lot should therefore be welcomed," she said.

 

Author : Genevieve Quintal, News24

(File photo: Gallo Images)