THEIR duty is to protect the citizens of this country, but their own lives are not safe.
Police and Prison Civil Rights Union yesterday voiced Limpopo cops’ grievances to the cops’ provincial head office and to safety MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana.
The union marched to submit their memorandum of demands, stating that they will not sit and watch while their members put in all efforts to protect even though they were not safe themselves.
Hangwani Mashau, provincial secretary of the union, said: “We have witnessed several killings of our members and want the department to create safety measures.
“As much as we protect the citizens, our lives are also important. And we need protection,” he said.
Lulamile Jack, acting chairman of Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veteran Association, said they supported the union march.
He urged acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane to look into the grievances.
“The commissioner should understand that we are offended by the working conditions our members face every day.
“He must not only work to praise those who put him in that position to oust former commissioner Riah Phiyega.
“Phiyega was a causalty of protecting our constitution,” he claimed. The union also said that racism was rife in their working environment, even after many years of democracy. They claimed high ranking positions often went to their white counterparts.
Receiving the memorandum on behalf of the Limpopo police commissioner, Brigadier Sam Mokgonyana said the demands would be addressed and a response given within seven days as demanded.
