Disciplinary steps taken against 389 EMPD officers for March strike

The City of Ekurhuleni is taking disciplinary steps against 389 EMPD officers who embarked on an illegal strike on March 19, causing the blockade of critical highways.

In a media statement issued by the City dated May 5, the metro said the EMPD officers face pre-dismissal processes due to severe misconduct, including the illegal blockade of the R21, N12, N17, and N3 highways.

“This unlawful action significantly disrupted traffic flow and severely inconvenienced thousands of commuters, and hindered access to the OR Tambo International Airport, which is a designated national key point, impacting flight schedules and broader regional connectivity,” the statement read.

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The City said actions taken by striking officers constituted gross misconduct, and as they are workers classified under essential services mandated to uphold public safety and order.

Their unlawful actions have also violated labour laws as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act.

The City said the officers were issued pre-dismissal notices and are suspended from duty pending the outcome of their disciplinary hearings.

They are required to hand over any City-issued equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and official access cards, until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.

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“The City is currently collaborating with the police to ensure continued policing services, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Minister of Police.

“The City of Ekurhuleni reiterates its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability, and ensuring that essential services personnel uphold their responsibility to public safety and order,” the statement concluded.