Municipal union mourns death of firefighters’ commander
The SA Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) said on Friday, it was devastated by the death of one of its members, allegedly shot dead by his firefighter subordinate, and blamed a new union for causing divisions among workers.
“We are convinced that the perpetrator intentionally intended on killing our member as he was committed to the work of SAMWU while the perpetrator himself belonged to union which just mushroomed in the sector,” said spokesman Papikie Mohale.
“We however will let the matter unfold in court where we are convinced that the truth shall come out. We are deeply disappointed that the mushroom union which the perpetrator belonged to has shutdown the Orange Farm Fire Station so workers can go defend the perpetrator during his court appearance.”
He added that his union would intensify the recruitment of municipal workers.
“We remain convinced that SAMWU is the only legitimate home of municipal workers in South Africa. We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mphatsoe family, his friends and colleagues.”
The Orange Farm firefighter allegedly shot dead his commander Lesedi Mphatswe on Wednesday in Vanderbijlpark. Mphatswe delivered a suspension letter to the firefighter at his home when an argument broke out between the two. The accused allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot his commander, who died at the scene.
Mohale said Mphatswe was a SAMWU member, while the firefighter belonged to break way union, the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers’ of SA (Demawusa). The new union was formed by disgruntled members of SAMWU who broke away from the union earlier this year.
Lucky Malopyane, SAMWU’s regional spokesman said his union had addressed working conditions at the station with management, including the issue of non payment of allowances, after which the chief of Joburg emergency services signed an agreement to implement allowance payments.
However, the matter hit a snag at the city’s head of labour relations and was not implemented.
“We have requested to meet with the city manager because really we cannot have persistent problems without resolutions at EMS. We are moving forward in resolving problems affecting firefighters, but also condemn the emergence of DEMAWUSA which is causing divisions among workers,” Malopyane said.
DEMAWUSA could not be reached for comment.
The alleged shooter was expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Friday. - ANA
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