Metro police suspensions ‘costing Joburg millions’
The African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg has expressed concern over what it believes to be the reckless and unwarranted suspension of metro police officers.
The party claims more than 50 metro police officers have been suspended amid allegations of misconduct.
The ANC’s Oupa Tolo says several of the department’s directors are currently sitting at home.
"Just before yesterday we were sitting at a cost of R1.2 million per month. However with the suspension of an additional 17 superintendents, we could be looking at R1.5 million per month.”
Tolo says the suspensions could lead to irregular expenditure and lead to a surge in crimes such as hijackings and muggings.
"As you would know, in the last financial year the auditor general has indicated that the city is sitting at R2.7 billion in irregular expenditure.
"Most suspensions are spurious allegations but have not been tested by any disciplinary hearing. It’s either they leave these suspensions or they ensure that these allegations are tested through a properly constituted disciplinary hearing.”
Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar has confirmed the recent suspension of 13 superintendents on full pay.
"The 13 metro police superintendents who were suspended on Monday follow a misconduct protest in February at the metro police department operational service where they closed the gates, preventing members of the public from paying traffic fines, getting cars out of the pound, getting accident reports and denying public service to make funeral arrangement escorts.”
Minaar says contingency plans have been put in place to ensure there is no impact on the safety and security of residents.