HAVING witnessed the alleged injustices in the promotion process within the SAPS, two retired police officers are on a quest to help those who have been impacted in the form of a class action lawsuit.
Retired Warrant Officer Nazeer Ahmed Rakmatullah and Lieutenant-Colonel Charlie Pillay have since started a group, Advocacy Against Non-Promotion within the Ranks of the SAPS.
They are also calling for an investigation into irregular promotions.
Rakmatullah said the initiative stemmed from their own experiences, as well as former colleagues who were allegedly denied promotions.
“I was with the SAPS for 27 years, and when I was due for a promotion, two of my juniors got promoted because of the so-called ‘brotherhood’ in the police system. I also witnessed others, such as clerks being promoted to high ranks such as captain. We had the experience, long service and additional qualifications, but were treated unjustly.
“In addition, as you climb the rank, you can also take up better positions such as a commander of a specific branch within the SAPS. We saw officers being appointed in these responsible positions, but had no idea as to what they were doing,” he said.
Rakmatullah said they felt that injustices faced by police officers were going unchallenged for far too long.
“We are still aggrieved and now want to help others to get what they rightly deserve. A promotion means money and status. In this case, we are exploring the possibility of a class action lawsuit on behalf of former and current members who have been unfairly denied promotions or suffered other harm due to irregular promotions.
“We are calling on those who have been affected to send us their supporting affidavits so we can help them, and hold those at the top accountable. Even if it means approaching the highest court in the land, we will do it,” he said.
Pillay said they also called for an investigation into the widespread allegations of irregular promotions.
“As a former lieutenant-colonel with many years of service, I witnessed first-hand the unfair treatment of deserving officers.
“Seasoned and experienced policemen have been stagnant in their careers and overlooked for promotions, while their juniors and colleagues, some less qualified, have been catapulted to higher ranks.
“Furthermore, the promotion processes within the SAPS seemed to be opaque, allowing for unfair practices and abuse of power,” he claimed.
Pillay said some of the key concerns was the lack of transparency and accountability, and unfair treatment of deserving officers.
“The allegations of irregular promotions need to be investigated and disciplinary action should be taken against those found guilty of corruption, nepotism or favouritism. In addition, the current promotion policies and procedures need to be reviewed to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability. There should also be measures implemented to prevent similar irregularities from occurring in the future.
“We urge the authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns and restore the integrity of the SAPS. We believe a fair, transparent and accountable promotion process is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the effective functioning of the SAPS,” he said.
The SAPS or police unions did not respond to questions at the time of going to print.
For information, email Rakmatullah at [email protected]