WATCH: JMPD officers ordered out of comfort of patrol cars to 'go work'
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has condemned the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD)
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has condemned the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) for what he described as the "reckless habit" of officers remaining in their patrol vehicles instead of actively enforcing the law.
Morero made the comments on his official Facebook page on Monday, accompanied by a video showing several JMPD vehicles parked along a busy street, with officers sitting inside. The footage captures who is presumed to be a senior officer, also in full JMPD uniform, confronting his colleagues and ordering them to get out of their cars and start enforcing the law.
The officer is seen taking control of the parked patrol vehicles, demanding the car keys. "Letha is'khiya baba," (Bring the keys), the officer says, as he orders the officers to walk around and begin their duties.
Morero said that the officers’ inaction was “intolerable” and warned that “heads will roll” if this behaviour continues. His remarks come amid growing concerns over police visibility and rising crime rates in city.
"This must stop, the reckless habit of JMPD officers remaining in their vehicles instead of actively enforcing the laws. Lawlessness happening in broad daylight while officers simply observe from their patrol cars is intolerable. Heads will roll," Morero said.
Earlier this year, Morero also expressed disappointment with the lack of by-law enforcement during a service delivery operation in the inner city. The operation focused on ensuring taxi ranks and small businesses were complying with the city's regulations.
Morero criticised some city departments, particularly the JMPD, for their failure to ensure that citizens adhered to the law. He said that the city would take action to hold those responsible accountable.
IOL