Joburg MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku said investigations discovered that Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) officers seen in a viral video partying included retired members of the force.
The viral footage showed the officers partying up a storm with a state van that belongs to the JMPD.
“What we discovered upon investigation, some of the people in there are retired JMPD officers,” said Tshwaku.
Tshwaku informed Newzroom Afrika that the officers were immediately suspended soon after the video made the rounds on social media.
He apologised to the public for the officers’ insidious behaviour.
“We immediately issued them with the notices of suspension and received their responses. Immediately they will be automatically suspended, and investigation will take place.
“We are going to constitute a disciplinary hearing and a panel. Mark my words, that will never happen at the JMPD,” said Tshwaku.
The MMC confirmed that the officers are choir members of the JMPD, who had gone on team building exercise in Durban.
Tshwaku’s statement corroborated with a letter which was seen by “The Star” that confirmed indeed the officers went on a work trip.
The letter authored by the JMPD acting superintendent EA Bezuidenhout stated the work trip was approved by the organisation’s chief, Patrick Jaca.
“The permission was granted after the fleet office approved the trip to Durban; then the acting chief also approved the request,” said Bezuidenhout.
Tshwaku noted retired choir members of the JMPD would often help current members with their expertise, which is another violation that occurred.
Despite the use of state resources on work trips, officers are prohibited from using JMPD properties for personal use.
“They said the choir was going to a team building exercise, which the transport takes them from point A to point B. However, if they go to places of fun, they cannot use a marked car because it has blue lights,” said Tshwaku.
The MMC noted the JMPD’s vehicle policy had been approved about three weeks ago to enforce stringent rules towards the use of state vehicles.
“You have these grey areas that need to be clarified and sorted out by the policy we have,” said Tshwaku.
He added the city’s cabinet was embarrassed on the actions of the officers.
“I was embarrassed and extremely angry, and saw the abuse of state resources, which was also embarrassing the JMPD and City of Johannesburg. We are not taking this lightly. We are going to come hard on these individuals; they should have known better,” said Tshwaku.
With investigations pending, Tshwaku affirmed that the officers were remorseful of their behaviour.
However, the metro had encountered challenges in accessing the officers when suspension notices were issued at the time."
“They are fully aware of the whole gravity of this thing. There was one superintendent we were really struggling to get hold of, while some were not even showing up at work. We also had to deliver the notices in one house. Everyone has to be accountable,” he said.
Tshwaku could not confirm whether the officers would return to work after their suspension is lifted until investigations are concluded.
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The Star