Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety raises concerns over public safety following the suspension of over 300 EMPD officers.
The Gauteng Committee on Community Safety has expressed serious concerns regarding public safety following the suspension of over 300 officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). The suspensions came after the officers’ involvement in an alleged illegal strike on March 19, which disrupted traffic on major highways and affected access to OR Tambo International Airport.
Impact on Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Honourable Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, warned that the mass suspension of EMPD officers could significantly compromise public safety, law enforcement, and traffic management across the Ekurhuleni metro. While the Committee acknowledges the City of Ekurhuleni’s right to discipline employees involved in misconduct, it emphasizes the risks posed by the sudden loss of a large number of officers.
The Committee noted that without adequate contingency plans, the suspension could result in gaps in municipal by-law enforcement and overall crime prevention, leaving residents vulnerable and reducing the efficiency of traffic control measures.
Call for Urgent Contingency Measures
To mitigate the impact of the officer shortage, the Committee urged the City of Ekurhuleni to take swift action. One suggested measure includes requesting assistance from other Gauteng municipalities through inter-jurisdictional agreements. These agreements would allow municipal law enforcement officers from neighboring jurisdictions to support crime prevention and traffic management within Ekurhuleni.
Honourable Masuku emphasized that implementing these contingency strategies would help maintain law and order while ensuring that public safety remains a priority.
Resolving the Labour Dispute
In addition to contingency planning, the Committee has called on the City to expedite the resolution of the ongoing labour dispute. The Committee warned that a prolonged impasse would not only strain municipal services but could also aggravate safety concerns. Swift dispute resolution would help restore stability within the EMPD and reinforce public trust in law enforcement.
Continued Monitoring and Commitment
The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has committed to closely monitoring the situation to ensure that public safety and effective policing in Gauteng remain top priorities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and cooperate with law enforcement as the situation develops.
Also read: North West Parks and Tourism Board in Crisis: Employee Strike Exposes Deep-Rooted Issues
