I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident while performing official duties, and sustained multiple serious physical injuries, and brain injury, which are of a permanent nature. Since my return to work after a long period off sick, I have been treated in a very “unsatisfactory” manner, to say the least.
I was registered on the SAPS database as a disabled member, due to physical impairments, as well as post traumatic stress disorder.
The support and understanding I received was virtually non-existent.
I could not cope with the demand at the required pace and, when I approached management to inform them of this, on top of the fact that I shouldn’t be managing firearms and ammunition due to my condition, I was simply told to keep it quiet as I was “doing a good job”.
The component I was working at is situated on the third floor and the lifts were constantly out of order, so I experienced difficulties with this.
I was then insulted and told that I used my impairments as an excuse, and was told to submit a formal transfer application after I fell on the stairs, due to the lifts that weren’t working.
My application was then declined “due to equity”.
Disability, though, forms part of equity.
I went on long term incapacity leave.
During this period a false criminal case was opened against me.
The SAPS then used the opportunity to suspend me and, after a “departmental hearing”, found me guilty on criminal charges that were thrown out prior to the hearing, by the DPP, who, just like the I/O, realised that the charges were false. But my salary and benefits were frozen also, even before the hearing commenced.
After appointing an attorney, my salary and benefits were reinstated six weeks later.
I appealed against the outcome of the hearing, but was told that it was submitted late, and was dismissed.
My salary and benefits were frozen again.
Some period after this, The SAPS sent a letter stating that my appeal was, in fact, not submitted late.
It’s now well over eight weeks later, and my salary and benefits still haven’t been rectified.
No one at the station, provincial or national level can tell me when this matter will be resolved.
The SAPS utilised my leave and deducted unpaid leave from my salary for major surgery I had to undergo as a result of the accident, and again I had to appoint an attorney and the matter was ruled in my favour, but this, too, hasn’t been finalised.
The only mentionable “support” I have received from the SAPS since the accident, was a T-shirt and cap with the words “SAPS embraces disability”, which I find laughable, a revolving/tilting chair, and a “disabled parking bay”, which was often occupied by other, inconsiderate members.
Other false accusations were also made, which will result in extra deductions being made from my pension fund, without a doubt.
I was in the process of applying to be declared medically unfit, and the SAPS knew this, seeking every opportunity to get rid of me.
The SAPS applies regulations as it suits them best, knowing that members can’t afford attorney costs.
I have been victimised, financially crippled, and risk losing everything I own.
This is the thanks I get for more than 20 years faithful service?
I find it ridiculous that the SAPS has the audacity to wonder why the suicide rate amongst SAPS members is so high!
Editor’s note: Lieut Col Lungelo Dlamini, spokesman for the Gauteng Provincial SAPS responded as follows: “The member’s appeal is still pending. The process of re-instating the member’s salary has been finalised.
“As a member of the SAPS, he will still be supported until his appeal has been finalised.”
