Police union calls for prioritisation of SAPS members for vaccination

THE South African Police Union (Sapu) believes police should have been vaccinated at the same time as healthcare workers as they are also frontline workers.

Sapu national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said while the vaccination roll-out for SAPS is planned from this month, the union believes police should have been vaccinated earlier together with healthcare workers.

ALSO READ: Honolulu stands by officers involved in Myeni shooting

‘Police officers did not stay at home during the hard lockdown, and even now they are still out there delivering services to communities without being vaccinated,’ said Thobakgale.

Richards Bay and Empangeni police were hard hit by Covid-19 cases, leading to severe under-staffing in a district that ranks among the most dangerous in the country.

Owing to the lack of manpower, more than 1 800 cases were still pending in Empangeni two months ago.

An Empangeni police officer told the ZO that many SAPS members were infected by the public when they attended to crime scenes and accidents.

‘We thought that since we are frontline workers responsible for enforcing the lockdown regulations, vaccinations to protect us would have been prioritised.

‘By delaying vaccinations, infections will continue to cause staff shortages at police stations and leave communities vulnerable to criminal activities.’

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer