CoE to dismiss 389 EMPD officers after illegal strike
Hundreds of EMPD officers face suspension and possible dismissal after illegally using police vehicles to block major Gauteng highways in a protest that crippled traffic, disrupted flights and outraged the public.
The CoE has launched disciplinary action against 389 EMPD officers who staged a disruptive and unlawful protest in March, bringing key Gauteng highways to a standstill.
The strike on the morning of March 19 saw hundreds of officers commandeer State-owned vehicles to blockade major transport arteries, including the R21, N12, N17 and N3 highways.
The action, reportedly triggered by grievances over overtime reductions and pay concerns, halted traffic from 06:00 to 11:00, severely affecting access to the OR Tambo International Airport and paralysing economic activity across the province.
In a decisive move, the city suspended all the participating officers, issued pre-dismissal notices for gross misconduct and ordered the return of all city-issued weapons, vehicles and access passes while the disciplinary hearings proceeded.
Illegal strike breached labour laws and public trust
Municipal officials were unequivocal in condemning the protest, citing a violation of the Labour Relations Act.
As essential service workers, EMPD officers are prohibited from striking.
“They violated the law and betrayed the public trust,” the city said in a statement, labelling the protest as a “serious offence against their professional responsibilities”.
The CoE’s HoD for communications, marketing and tourism, Phakamile Mbengashe, criticised the action as “premature and unnecessary,” noting that the city had already arranged a labour forum for April 2 to address the officers’ grievances.
“This could have been resolved through dialogue, not disruption,” he said.
Disciplinary proceedings underway
The city has assured the public that it will follow due process in handling the disciplinary hearings.
However, officials said clearly that those found guilty would face serious repercussions, including possible dismissal.
While EMPD and city leadership representatives will meet for continued dialogue, officials confirmed that the disciplinary process will move forward independently and without delay.
