Contingency plans in place for SAPS admin staff march today

There have been fears that the strike could result in emergency calls going unanswered, among others.

"As an essential service, we understand our mandate. We have contingency plans in place so there is no need to panic," said SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Phuti Setati.

The strike by police administrative staff has been called by the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru).

The union wants police management to incorporate administration staff, who are currently "Public Service Act" employees, into the police.

If that were to happen, it would mean administrative staff, including clerks, would fall within the pay bracket of constables.

This would require SAPS to spend R900m more a year on salaries, money which SAPS management has told the union it does not have.

Although they respect the right of the administrative staff to strike, Setati said the strike, which is illegal, would be closely monitored.

"The no work, no pay principle will apply and participants can face disciplinary action," said Setati, who warned against intimidation of those who do not want to strike.

According to Setati, SAPS management is still in talks with the union, which has indicated that over 43,000 of its members will participate in the strike.