Ekurhuleni mayor apologises for illegal metro strike

"We view this matter very seriously and wish to apologise to those affected by this action. Having said this though, as a city we have taken a view to give negotiations a chance," he said.

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police illegal strike on Monday ended just after lunch, following preliminary discussions between the municipality and the leadership of the striking workers.

However this morning, a total of about 200 officers, the majority of whom were off duty, took to the streets of Germiston, the headquarters of the metro, demanding to see their management in connection with various allegations in line with their working conditions.

The EMPD has a total of 1600 officers.

Gungubele said it was critical to normalise the policing situation in the area as soon as possible.

"The municipality's management, led by the Human Resources Management and Development, will meet with the trade union, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), to discuss in detail the reasons behind the strike action so that a long term solution is found as soon as possible.

"I have no doubt in my mind that the teams in discussion will find one another."