35 Newly graduated Metro Police officers axed over internal driving test

The City of Cape Town has dismissed some of its new graduates due to their failure to pass an internal driving assessment.

The 35 graduates, who formed part of the Project 1000, were given numerous opportunities to improve their skills, said Head of Safety and Security JP Smith.

However, the National Coloured Congress's (NCC) councillor Nasmi Jacobs disputed the City’s version of events.

“If you are not going to tell the truth, then I will. There was a celebration, a launch, and an introduction to cadets. They were fired via text messages without calls. The messages instructed those who didn’t sign permanent contracts to come in civvies and bring their uniforms,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs attached a copy of the text message, which reads: “Good day, please assist in sending this message to all the Project 1000 learners who did not sign their permanent contracts for employment to come in civvies tomorrow and bring their uniform.”

Smith said all officers were required to have a driver’s license when they joined.

"They claimed to have one, and we followed up, they did have valid licenses. However, during the internal assessment, to operate a city vehicle, they had to pass another evaluation. Only if they passed were they allowed to operate our vehicles and receive a tag. Unfortunately, 35 people failed this assessment,” he said.

Smith expressed confusion over how candidates could have passed a standard driver’s license test yet struggle with the City’s internal assessment.

He added that the qualification process involves multiple components, including modules under the SAPS Act, the Criminal Procedures Act, internal City requirements, and the National Road Traffic Act.

Smith criticised the NCC for spreading misinformation about the Project 1000 learnership.

“In the past, the NCC has repeatedly spread false claims regarding City recruitment, claiming cadets would never be employed. Now that hundreds have been employed, they claim the City is firing them. Let’s set the record straight: (these) participants failed their driving assessments, even after extra training. Being able to drive is an inherent job requirement; what applies to one applies to all,” he said.

He added that Metro Police officials even offered weekend training to help candidates pass, but ultimately, some could not meet the required standard.

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