The City of Ekurhuleni is taking firm action against 389 EMPD officers who brought major Gauteng roads to a standstill in March by staging an illegal strike. These officers now face potential dismissal as the city enforces disciplinary measures.
ALSO READ: Panyaza Lesufi Announces New Measures to Fix Gauteng’s Service Delivery Woes
EMPD Officers Disrupt Gauteng Traffic Using State Vehicles
On 19 March 2025, hundreds of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers used state-owned vehicles to block key routes such as the R21, N12, N17, and N3 highways. The protest, sparked by disputes over overtime cuts and pay grievances, brought morning traffic to a halt between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Their actions delayed flights, stranded thousands of commuters, and disrupted business operations across Gauteng, especially around O.R. Tambo International Airport.
City Issues Pre-Dismissal Notices and Suspensions To EMPD Officers
In response, the City of Ekurhuleni suspended all 389 officers involved and issued pre-dismissal notices for gross misconduct. These officers are now required to surrender all city-issued firearms, vehicles, and access cards until disciplinary hearings conclude.
City officials emphasized that, as essential service workers, EMPD officers cannot legally strike. “They violated the Labour Relations Act and betrayed public trust,” the municipality stated. The city labeled their participation as a breach of duty and a serious offense against their professional responsibilities.
Officials Condemn the Strike as Reckless and Irresponsible
Finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi called the strike “premature and unnecessary,” revealing that the city had already scheduled a labour forum for 2 April to address their grievances.
Ward Councillor Simon Lapping went even further, slamming the protest as “economic extortion.” He condemned officers for using taxpayer-funded vehicles and fuel to block roads, effectively forcing residents to foot the bill for the chaos. “Ekurhuleni is home to much of Gauteng’s heavy industry. A few hours of disruption cost the economy millions,” he said.
Businesses and Commuters Suffer Major Consequences
The Road Freight Association (RFA) also criticized the protest. CEO Gavin Kelly said the strike hurt everyday citizens and companies relying on uninterrupted transport.
“Workers couldn’t reach their jobs. Emergency services were delayed. And businesses lost productivity,” Kelly noted. “This kind of action is reckless and unacceptable, especially from officers sworn to protect order.”
Social media users shared their outrage. One user posted, “I love watching my taxes pay for police vehicles used to block roads.” Another said, “Only in South Africa do law enforcers break the law so openly.”
National Police Slammed for Inaction
Dlabathi didn’t just stop at criticizing EMPD—he also called out the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its lack of intervention during the chaos. “SAPS should have stepped in sooner. Their failure to control the situation allowed the lawlessness to continue,” he said.
Disciplinary Hearings For EMPD Officers Underway
The city has confirmed that all implicated officers will face disciplinary hearings and that due process will be followed. However, officials made it clear: those found guilty will face serious consequences.
“We cannot tolerate this level of lawlessness from our own law enforcement personnel,” said Dlabathi. “This strike shattered public confidence. The city must now restore order and trust.”
Representatives from EMPD and city leadership plan to meet to continue discussions, but disciplinary procedures will proceed independently.
