Public Safety Commissioner faces political criticism following bullying allegations

Petrus Roberts, Commissioner: Public Safety, Operational Coordination, also known as Robbie Roberts, faces political scrutiny and calls for accountability, following CCMA hearings which were dismissed regarding grievances made by staff of bullying, intimidation and victimisation claims.

It is understood that he is facing a secondary hearing before the CCMA  involving an independent commission of inquiry which officials have yet to confirm. 

In a response to the Cape Argus on the CCMA matter for arbitration, the City's spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, confirmed the following: "The arbitrator dismissed the case on 20 October 2023 for want of jurisdiction with the following ruling: 'The South African Local Government Bargaining Council lacks jurisdiction to arbitrate this dispute and the interest arbitration proceedings are therefore dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.' "The City has no further comment."

When asked whether Roberts was facing an internal inquiry, the City reverted back to their response citing they had no further comments.

The latest follows an arbitration case before the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).According to arbitration papers furnished to the Cape Argus, the applicant, IMATU (Independent Municipal Allied Trade Union), represented ten others from the City of Cape Town in a dispute which centres on allegations of harassment, bullying, victimisation, intimidation and rude behaviour. In the applicants' Core Demand, IMATU explicitly clarified the dispute as an interest dispute under Section 74 of the LRA, requesting: "that a commission of independent enquiry be initiated to investigate the host of claims against Commissioner Roberts to ascertain whether formal disciplinary action may be taken against Commissioner Petrus Roberts."

According to the document, they confirmed they were not alleging a rights dispute (e.g., unfair discrimination under the EEA, unfair conduct under the LRA, or breach of contract).

Last year, the order stated that the jurisdictional challenges were dismissed. The remaining demand for an independent commission of inquiry to investigate claims against Roberts to ascertain possible disciplinary action will proceed to arbitration on the merits.

It is understood the current matter is expected to continue in March 2026.

In 2018, a forensic investigator was to be appointed to probe allegations of the irregular appointment of Roberts and news headlines were abuzz on the matter.

Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor, called for accountability following the dismissal of the claims: "He's the person calling the shots on the front lines by directing law‑enforcement units, wielding peace officer powers, planning joint operations, and shaping the safety of Cape Town's streets. That's not a ceremonial role; rather, it's a daily exercise in power and accountability," said Cupido.

"Testimony before an independent commissioner has revealed that the Commissioner personally ordered a City water cannon to be used to extinguish fires during protests on the N2, an order outside his authority, and when a senior Metro Police official refused, he even laid criminal charges."

Former City councillor Grant Pascoe took to social media as a whistleblower, and Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith shared his views on his Facebook page, calling him out: "Yesterday morning, Grant once again proved that he is among the many Cape Town politicians easily misled by disgruntled staff looking for someone to fight their battles on social media. He did so by launching an unwarranted attack on a senior official within Safety and Security."

In response, Pascoe posted a comeback: "I would rather speak about what you are trying to hide. He was investigated by the City itself. This is written in a report dated  June 18, 2018, done by S H Christie."

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus