Pretoria - Disciplinary procedures have been instituted against Tshwane metro police members who took part in an unprotected strike, an official said on Monday.
Spokesman Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said 100 police officers appeared at the initial disciplinary hearing last week.
“Disciplinary measures are being taken against the following officials: members who booked sick leave, yet participated in the strike; management officials who were involved in the strike; and, members who marched to Isivuno Building (Tshwane municipal offices).”
Mahamba said the corrective action was also targeting officers who did not obey a court order urging them to return to work.
The law-enforcement officers downed tools on Workers' Day, after the city introduced a new shift system.
Last month, Tshwane introduced eight-hour shifts for officers, citing international norms and the effectiveness of its members.
The new slots are made up of three eight-hour shifts: 5am to 1pm, 1pm to 9pm, and a night shift from 9pm to 5am.
On May 3, the Johannesburg Labour Court granted Tshwane metro police an order prohibiting its workers from taking part in the illegal strike.
Police management had argued in their papers that the strike was illegal as there was no stipulated 48-hour notice served on the municipality of the intention to embark on a strike.
Following the court order, Tshwane metro police chief Steven Ngobeni issued an ultimatum to all striking officers to return to work by May 6.
The disciplinary hearing will resume on June 6 and 7. - Sapa