Johannesburg - Ten high-ranking police officers at OR Tambo International Airport have been described as “threats to the security of South Africa” for walking out of several meetings chaired by their new commander.
The group of lieutenant-colonels allege that what they regard as Colonel Mokotedi Makuwa’s “irregular appointment” early this year had not been finalised when he chaired the meetings, so they refused to acknowledge his authority.
They have been charged with insubordination after walking out of three station crime combating forum meetings and being absent from six without apology in May.
Makuwa – who was investigated earlier this year for allegedly sleeping in a car while on duty – said in an affidavit that when he chaired the meetings his transfer had been finalised.
He accused the 10 officers of raising their concerns in an “improper” and “disrespectful” manner.
“It’s disgraceful for top management of the police to behave in such an unacceptable manner in front of junior members,” said Makuwa.
“They are threats to the security of the country, and are not fit to operate at the airport.”
The officers are the same group of high-ranking officials who were illegally transferred from their posts at the airport in 2013.
A court ordered that they be reinstated and not victimised.
Interviewed by the Saturday Star this week, the officers said they were being victimised for lodging complaints about Makuwa’s appointment.
They said that the police at OR Tambo were on a witch-hunt and aimed to get rid of them.
“When Makuwa came to fill the post – which was not advertised – in March, he was not formally introduced. He arrived and started sitting in our meetings,” they said.
“Weeks later he just decided to chair the meetings, but we didn’t know in what capacity, so we walked out because we didn’t recognise him.
“His appointment, which we had lodged grievances against, was not finalised.
“Makuwa is making serious allegations – he’s calling us terrorists by saying we’re a threat to the security of the country.”
The officers said the internal inquiry into Makuwa for allegedly sleeping in a car while on duty had been withdrawn.
They said it had been disputed where the picture had been taken.
“No one came forward and said they took the picture of Makuwa at work, because of fear of reprisals,” said the lieutenant-colonels.
The officers are waiting for a date from the arbitrator who is to hear their objectionsto Makuwa’s appointment.
Spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said the charges were an internal disciplinary matter.
“It wouldn’t be prudent to provide details at this stage.
“Discipline is the cornerstone of everything we do, and we will not tolerate ill discipline.”
Saturday Star