Work conditions, remuneration better, says SAPS as it attempts to woo back members who've jumped ship
About 58 members from the country’s most elite police units - the Special Task Force (STF) and National Intervention Unit (NIU) recently opted to leave for the private sector in seek of better pay.
Special Task Force badge. Picture: X/@SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - Police management says it is engaging dozens of highly skilled members who have joined private security in an attempt to win them back.
About 58 members from the country’s most elite police units - the Special Task Force (STF) and National Intervention Unit (NIU) - recently opted to leave for the private sector to seek better pay.
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Police said they have bettered the working conditions and remuneration in their bid to get back members who have left, including retaining members they already have.
As part of sweetening the deal to ensure STF and NIU members don’t jump ship to the private sector, the South African Police Service (SAPS) management has more than tripled the danger pay for members in these units.
From previously earning a measly R4,000, STF and NIU members will now be entitled to R21,000 danger pay over and above their salaries every month.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said they have addressed the issue with some of the members who had left.
“Two things, their conditions have been improved but also they say they are here for the badge, they love the work they do. I think the bleeding has been stopped.”
Eyewitness News previously reported that the private sector is willing to cough up more than double what STF and NIU members were earning for their niche skills set.