SAPS OFFICERS CLAIM EXTORTION OVER SALARY DEDUCTIONS

'We've had no help from SAPS or the union'

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

A GROUP of 24 SAPS officers continue to live and work in misery as deductions of up to R8000 from their salaries continue unabated for rent at the Parkhof barracks in Kenilworth, even though they were evicted long ago.

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 R4000 to R8000, 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.