The South African Policing Union calls upon the SAPS management to introduce a system where police officers are tested for the Coronavirus when they are reporting for duty. We have noted with grave concern that the issue of the Covid-19 has not yet been taken seriously by both the management and the workforce.
Police officers are in the forefront in the battle against the spread of the virus in the country. They are amongst the workforce that is exposed a great deal to the virus. The infection rate in South Africa makes it an urgent that police officers get tested. This will help in taking the necessary steps in placing those infected in the compulsory isolation process commonly known as quarantine and also protecting those not infected.
SAPU is calling upon the SAPS management not to drag its feet on this matter. We want to avoid a situation where a greater number of the police service is infected and have to be quarantined. SAPU would also like to call upon police officers themselves to take the initiative and get tested. It is better late than never.
As adults we have to act like that and be responsible. Even with those who test positive, it has been proven that it is not the end of the road, there's life after Coronavirus. Our own General Secretary Tumelo Mogodiseng has already tested and fortunately his results came back negative. As our motto says “together we will make the difference”, we will beat the virus.
We are calling on the powers not to come with a lame excuse like lack of resources or funds, this is a proactive approach to avoid the rapid infection of police officers that can put our country without an active police service. We will have an audio with the Police Minister Bheki Cele to place this progressive proposal on the table.
SAPU is also calling on infected police officers not to come on duty. They have to protect themselves through quarantining themselves. By acting responsible they will also be protecting their colleagues and their families.
Victory is certain!
Issued by: Tumelo Mogodiseng