Police officers countrywide are up in arms and are threatening a go slow following Botswana Police Service Commissioner Keabetswe Makgope’s decision to terminate to the housing and upkeep allowance for his officers.
But the Commissioner’s decision has infuriated scores of Botswana Police Service officers across the country who have since made contact with Sunday Standard to express their displeasure. While they are prohibited to engage in industrial action as they are not unionised, the officers said their last resort is to engage on go slow.
Some of the planned protesting strategies are to take their time to respond to incidents such as crimes and traffic.
The officers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals are pointing an accusing finger at Makgope saying he took the decision without consulting them.
They are also questioning the legality of Makgope’s decision saying since this allowance was a matter that was supposed to be implemented following agreement at the Public Service Bargaining Council to increase public servants allowance by six percent and introduction of allowances.
The savingram from Makgophe announcing the abolition of the allowance states that “Reference is made to Public Service Management Directive No. 7 of 2015, dated 8th April, 2015, which amongst others, introduced housing and upkeep allowance. The necessary clarifications have been sought from the employing authority regarding entitlement and payment of the housing and upkeep allowance.”
The savingram concludes that “subsequently, addressees are hereby informed that police officers across all ranks do not qualify for this allowance by virtue of already enjoying free housing. Ensure this message reaches the rest of the service.”
