16 Feb 2022

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security is yet to pay P15 million gratuity to about 475 special constables.

Answering a question in Parliament on Tuesday, defence, justice and security minister, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said funds were available and the process of paying qualifying officers was ongoing.

Minister Mmusi added that the exercise was expected to be completed before  end of the current financial year. He indicated that payment of gratuities was a continuous process as contracts lapsed at different times.

Again, he said special constables were first appointed in 2004 on a six-month contract but in 2015, the contract period was increased to a two-year fixed contract term.

“The officers could not be absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms as government had placed a moratorium on employment creation for any new positions in the public service given our dire financial situation,” he said.

Palapye MP, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi had asked the minister if he was aware that special constables took a long time to be paid their gratuities.

He further wanted the minister to state the number of officers owed, the amount and when they would be paid. MP Ramogapi also wanted the minister to explain why their contract terms could not be made permanent and pensionable or at least be offered terms of five to 10 years. ENDs