POPCRU members stages sit-in at Baviaanspoort after chairperson's suspension

Members of the Police & Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) are staging a sit-in at the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre in Pretoria, following claims of union members being victimised.

Its chairperson, Mongezi Makhanya, was served with a suspension letter on Sunday for allegedly inciting POPCRU members to not adhere to new shift patterns, which he denies.

The union said his suspension is unlawful and has opened up the pathway for the abuse of other members. 

POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo added that the members staging the sit-in are also being threatened with arrest. 

"We demand the immediate release of all arrested members. An end to intimidation and retaliation against workers. The reinstatement of our democratically elected chairperson. The withdrawal of the shift changes pending proper dispute resolution processes. "

The union said his suspension is unlawful and has opened up the pathway for the abuse of other members.