Police officers demand action against salary 'extortion'

A group of 24 SAPS officers continue to live and work in misery as deductions of up to R8 000 from their salaries continue unabated for rent at the Parkhof barracks in Kenilworth, even though they were long evicted. 

A month after they were forced to raise their concerns over the deductions, which leaves some of the officers with just R28 in their bank accounts, they say their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

The group has now cited the ongoing deductions of between R4 000 and R8 000, as extortion.

It has since reached the attention of MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, who said while she was aware of the deductions, her hands were tied, but she would report it to police management.

"I've seen reports around the issue of the alleged illegal salary deductions complained of.

"I do not wish to comment on employer-employee relations disputes within the SAPS, but I will engage the SAPS management in the province on the issue as it definitely impacts the morale of police officers who are already working in a high pressure environment.”

An officer who spoke to the Cape Argus said the issue started in December 2022.

They said SAPS wanted to evict members from the police flats in Kenilworth. 

The members then went to the housing tribunal but lost the case.

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, on Tuesday advised that it was best for the provincial police to provide comment.

In response to a follow-up query on the matter, Western Cape police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said as it was an internal matter.

“The grievance procedure protocols outlined in that correspondence remain applicable, and an amicable resolution remains achievable if the appropriate channels are followed," he said.

“Please note that it is not customary for the SAPS to discuss internal matters with third parties.

"Affected SAPS members are reminded to follow the prescribed processes and procedures.”

Another police officer approached the Cape Argus this week, saying they still received no assistance from SAPS management or the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru), and were battling financially.

"These people are still not stopping these deductions, we are still in the same boat.

"I mean it's the third month now since the massive hike in April.

"They are just going as usual. No one is doing anything again. The very same Popcru that was so bold on the news on TV, they have disappeared again.

“Provincial  sent us forms where you arrange for your debt, they are not willing to clear these debts, that is why they are giving us the assets and liabilities forms to fill in, to arrange not cancel it.

“We dealing with crooks here that are not willing to lose or do the right thing.

“This extortion will never stop.”

The family of another police officer said they were struggling financially as they had to support their relative who was also a victim of the deductions.

“I financially support my sister, buying her clothes, and for her kids, helping with school fees, and putting food on the table,” said the sister.

“My sister does not even book off sick. She smiles every day even though I know she would love to scream and cry because of what her employer is doing to her.

“My sister ain't corrupt or begging for money. She does not even go to team buildings because she does not have money to waste.”

Last month, Popcru provincial secretary, Mluleki Mbhele, confirmed their demand for a full refund of all deductions.

He said some members now earn as little as R28 due to state debt, and despite repeated calls for intervention since November 2024, the deductions persist.

Popcru is also exploring further action. 

This week, repeated attempts reach to Mbhele went unanswered and national spokesperson, Richard Mamabolo said while they were aware of the matter, it was for his response.

Earlier, National Coloured Congress leader, Fadiel Adams, who is part of the Portfolio Committee on Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.

South African Police Union (SAPU) has yet to respond to queries.

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Cape Argus