TORTURED ALLEGATIONS AGAINTS EMPLOYERS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

[Rea Molopyane]

 

 

TORTURED ALLEGATIONS AGAINTS EMPLOYERS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

30 November 2011

 

This week, the South African Transport & Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU)) strongly condemns the emerging apartheid –era tactics used by the employers in the Security industry to prevent heist during this festive season. It has come to our attention that the people claiming to be the police; attacks, brutally assaults, tortures and use other illegal means like beating up employees to secure confessions and information from our members who are employed in the cash-services of certain security companies.

 

While we welcome the recent announcement by the Police Ministry of a plan in partnership with the relevant stakeholders in the industry to deal with cash-in-transit robberies, SATAWU would like to caution security companies of getting their facts straight before subjecting our members to interrogations based on unconfirmed allegations of involvement in these robberies.

 

SATAWU is seriously worried and condemns in the strongest possible term these alleged unprovoked harassment, torture and brutality unleashed against some of members. As we prepare for the festive season break, we urge employers in the security industry to work hand in glove with this union to ensure safety of their employees and our members. This will bring some assurance to the families of the security guards working in the cash –service department. The allegations levelled against security companies are serious and needs to be investigated.

 

It is also worrying and displeasing that as we are about launch our strategic priority campaign on health and safety issues in the industry such allegations are a rising trend . It is not difficult to conclude that security companies want a subservient workforce. Workers are suffering from violence by the companies. It is outrageous to realize that we still have employers who treat workers in inhumane and abusive manner.

 

We submit as a union that while the available evidence cannot support contention that ‘torture is widespread’, there is evidence of a consistent on-going problem of torture in the industry. May we remind employers that although South Africa does not have the crime of torture defined on the statutes, common law crimes such as assault and attempted murder have been used to prosecute perpetrators of such acts.  Whenever there are ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe that torture has taken place, the Police Ministry has a duty to ensure that this is promptly investigated by competent authorities in an impartial manner and those responsible are brought to book.

 

SATAWU is committed to campaigning to end the low pay, violent abuse and insecurity that security guards suffer. We will not rest until they can enjoy their legal rights and be treated with respect as part of the fight for decent work and pay.

 

 

Contact:

Mamokgethi Rea Molopyane

SATAWU National Spokesperson

082 395 0907

011 333 6127

r...@satawu.org.za

Twitter: @Reagoikanya