The officers believe that “their lives are in danger” after a dead chicken and a box of matches were found at the entrance of the traffic station
TRAFFIC and by-law enforcement officers believe that their lives are in danger and that they were being subjected to witchcraft after a dead chicken and a box of matches were discarded at the entrance of the Jan Kempdorp traffic station on Monday morning.
The officers embarked on a go-slow and were sitting outside the offices, raising several other issues as well.
The officers stated that the strike action would continue until their grievances were heard by the administrator.
“He (the administrator) must come to Jan Kempdorp as we have tried to engage with him on many occasions.
“We have no resources, including branded uniforms and vehicles, so we cannot perform traffic duties. We received a set of uniforms last week but were told to have the municipal emblem embroidered at our own cost.
“We have to provide our own masks as there are no personal protective equipment (PPE). The office is dilapidated, there is no office equipment including a telephone landline and fax machine. Covid-19 regulations are not being followed as there is no glass to protect staff when members of the public enter the offices.”
Spokesperson for Phokwane Municipality, Kgalalelo Letshabo said they were also astonished to find the dead chicken and box of matches at the traffic office in Jan Kempdorp.
“We have know idea who put the dead chicken at the offices, we were just as shocked.”
She added that the administrator would not be meeting the officials regarding the grievances and had advised that they should follow procedures and protocol.
“He will not be addressing any person participating in an illegal strike or go slow until they (the employees) have returned to their posts.”
Letshabo refuted the claims that the municipality was not complying with the Covid-19 regulations.
“The municipality observes and adheres to Covid-19 regulations at all costs and would not put any of our officials at risk. Each official was provided with two cloth masks and hand sanitiser. Employees may request more supplies from the Covid-19 compliance officer should they run out. We also have screeners at both traffic departments.”
