The national leadership of the South African Police Union (SAPU) recently dissolved its local branch at the Sinthumule/Kutama Maximum Prison.

Mirror learnt that the national leadership of SAPU, through its legal representatives, Mmoledi Malokane and Associates, sent a three-page letter to all union members. In the letter, it was not explained as to why the national leadership had decided to dissolve the vibrant branch at the private correctional facility.

The local SAPU branch was launched last December by the regional and national leadership during an event held at the parking lot behind Edgars store. During the launch, the national deputy president, Mrs Gloria Yeki, gave a keynote address.

The branch chairperson, Falaza Mashaba, confirmed having received the letter from his union legal representative. "We are a legitimate structure, officially launched by the same national leadership. Since we were never affiliated to SAPU through the legal route, we view this letter as a failed attempt to divide and weaken our branch by certain members at the national level," he said.

Mashaba said that they cannot agree to be dumped like a hot potato on the ground by certain individuals who might have received bribes to divide and rule. He said that they are still considering themselves legitimate since they don´t remember acting against the policies of the union.

"We don´t know the name of the game which national leadership is attempting to play and for us to play it, they should tell us its name, perhaps we will play," he said.

Part of the three-page letter in possession of Mirror reads: "SACM: Makhado: Termination of contract/membership. We refer to the abovementioned matter and confirm that we act on behalf of SAPU. We are mandated to inform all SAPU members currently employed by SACM at the Makhado Prison that their membership of SAPU has been cancelled retrospectively with effect from September 22, this year."

In the same letter, it is indicated that the national leadership of the union has already informed the warders’ employer. "The decision is unfortunate and regretted but our client had no other option but to do so in view of the fact that the former members failed to commit and honour the provision of the SAPU constitution," concludes part of the legal representation of the national leadership of the union.