The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security head, Alderman JP Smith, said 35 newly graduated Metro Police officers have been dismissed after failing an internal driving assessment.

Smith said the officers, party of the City Project 1000 learners intake, had been given multiple opportunities to improve their driving skills, but ultimately failed to meet the required standards.

However, the National Coloured Congress’s (NCC) councillor Nasmi Jacobs disputed the City’s version of events.

“If you are not going to tell the truth, then I will. There was a celebration, a launch, and an introduction to cadets. They were fired via text messages without calls. The messages instructed those who didn’t sign permanent contracts to come in civvies and bring their uniforms,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs attached a copy of the text message, which reads: “Good day, please assist in sending this message to all the Project 1000 learners who did not sign their permanent contracts for employment to come in civvies tomorrow and bring their uniform.”

Smith said all officers were required to have a driver’s license when they joined.

“They claimed to have one, and we followed up, they did have valid licenses. However, during the internal assessment, to operate a city vehicle, they had to pass another evaluation. Only if they passed were they allowed to operate our vehicles and receive a tag. Unfortunately, 35 people failed this assessment,” he said.

Smith expressed confusion over how candidates could have passed a standard driver’s license test yet struggle with the City’s internal assessment.

“We gave them three extra chances to pass. I’ve seen officials after hours in the basement practicing driving, parking, docking, and parallel parking with a supervisor’s help. Those who took that extra effort kept their jobs. But those who could not operate a vehicle were unable to serve the public as required. If they misrepresented their ability when they joined, that fault lies with them, not the City,” he said.

He added that the qualification process involves multiple components, including modules under the SAPS Act, the Criminal Procedures Act, internal City requirements, and the National Road Traffic Act.

Some aspects even included swimming skills for safety reasons.

“All these requirements were included in the job advertisement. When it came to driving proficiency, despite presenting valid driver’s licenses, some could not operate the vehicles effectively. Multiple opportunities were given to demonstrate fitness, but those who failed could not be employed permanently. That is not the end of the road for them; they can re-enter the programme,” Smith said.

Smith criticised the NCC for spreading misinformation about the Project 1000 learnership.

“In the past, the NCC has repeatedly spread false claims regarding City recruitment, claiming cadets would never be employed. Now that hundreds have been employed, they claim the City is firing them. Let’s set the record straight: (these) participants failed their driving assessments, even after extra training. Being able to drive is an inherent job requirement; what applies to one applies to all,” he said.

He added that Metro Police officials even offered weekend training to help candidates pass, but ultimately, some could not meet the required standard.

“The City is building a municipal police agency that all Cape Town residents can be proud of. Those who didn’t pass, still received valuable qualifications through the learnership,” Smith said.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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