Cases of crime in areas near Polokwane in Limpopo are not being investigated after police officers embarked on a go-slow.
Detectives at the Westenburg police station were aggrieved their bosses would not allow them to drive state cars alone.
The measure was taken in the wake of the recent spate of police killings.
But the unhappy officers have accused the station's head Colonel Jonathan Mohale of strong-arm tactics.
Mohale issued letters to the officers stating that they could not travel in state vehicles without a colleague.
The declaration also meant that should an accident happen while the officer is travelling alone, that officer would not be covered by insurance.
The station covers a large part of Polokwane city, including surrounding farms along the Botlokwa, Lebowakgomo, Bergnek, Matlala, Seshego, Dendron and the N1 roads. The action by the officers means crime in those areas during the strike might not be investigated.
Sowetan has seen a copy of the letter, dated December 21 2015, which states that officers must be in the company of colleagues when travelling in the state cars.
"I declare that I shall never drive an official state vehicle alone at all times during the execution of my official duties and shall at all times be in the company of my colleague," read the letter which each officer should sign.
The officers felt the ruling was unfair as they lived in different areas. Some have applied for transfers to other stations.
"We view the instruction as unfair labour practice as it puts our lives at risk," said an officer who requested anonymity. He did not explain his viewpoint.
Mohale was adamant the safety of his officers was the main concern with the new rule.
"Will you be happy to wake up one day to hear a police officer has been killed while he was driving alone in a state car? These police killings in the country are worrisome, hence the decision," he said.
Provincial police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said it was an instruction coming from the national headquarters. "Our police members are not allowed to travel alone, even on patrol," said Otto.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
We don't want to share state cars - angry cops
Cases of crime in areas near Polokwane in Limpopo are not being investigated after police officers embarked on a go-slow.
Detectives at the Westenburg police station were aggrieved their bosses would not allow them to drive state cars alone.
The measure was taken in the wake of the recent spate of police killings.
But the unhappy officers have accused the station's head Colonel Jonathan Mohale of strong-arm tactics.
Mohale issued letters to the officers stating that they could not travel in state vehicles without a colleague.
The declaration also meant that should an accident happen while the officer is travelling alone, that officer would not be covered by insurance.
The station covers a large part of Polokwane city, including surrounding farms along the Botlokwa, Lebowakgomo, Bergnek, Matlala, Seshego, Dendron and the N1 roads. The action by the officers means crime in those areas during the strike might not be investigated.
Sowetan has seen a copy of the letter, dated December 21 2015, which states that officers must be in the company of colleagues when travelling in the state cars.
"I declare that I shall never drive an official state vehicle alone at all times during the execution of my official duties and shall at all times be in the company of my colleague," read the letter which each officer should sign.
The officers felt the ruling was unfair as they lived in different areas. Some have applied for transfers to other stations.
"We view the instruction as unfair labour practice as it puts our lives at risk," said an officer who requested anonymity. He did not explain his viewpoint.
Mohale was adamant the safety of his officers was the main concern with the new rule.
"Will you be happy to wake up one day to hear a police officer has been killed while he was driving alone in a state car? These police killings in the country are worrisome, hence the decision," he said.
Provincial police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said it was an instruction coming from the national headquarters. "Our police members are not allowed to travel alone, even on patrol," said Otto.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
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