Popcru concern about rise of suicides, mental health issues

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The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Gauteng has raised concerns about the escalating matters of mental wellness and suicides within the security cluster.

The union said the Criminal Justice Cluster (CJC) faces significant challenges in addressing mental wellness and suicides, exacerbating high crime rates and social burdens.

The comes in the wake of two Gauteng Traffic Provincial Inspectors deployed in Southern Corridors Sedibeng who lost their lives over the weekend.

The officers, identified as Dalindyebo Dineka, 31, and Neo Jane Kgaba, 38, were discovered with firearms lying next to their bodies, during an after-tears event in Debonair Park near De Deur, Vaal.

Popcru’s provincial secretary Lerata Motsiri said mental wellness remains a grappling effect which leads to an escalating suicide rate where law enforcement officers commit suicide and these incidents are on the rise in Gauteng.

“Clearly the limited access to mental wellness health resources and support adds on the stresses law enforcers experience on a daily basis and this leaves them feeling helpless and frustrated.

“Management seems to be not having plans on dealing with mental wellness of our members.

“The primary concern on this should be found in programs that will enhance productivity and boost the morale of our members, programs that are supportive in nature within the criminal justice cluster.

“Focus should be on the implementation of early detection of new trends in suicidal behaviour; promote awareness of suicidal behaviour and its causes,” he expressed.

No plan to address suicides

Motsiri lashed out at the department of community safety on what he termed reckless behaviour to divide workers by offering a state memorial and funeral service for one of the deceased Gauteng Provincial Inspector.

He added; “This while an investigation is still on going on the matter, deepening frustrations in the midst of sorrows instead of providing support mechanisms to the bereaved including our members in their employ.

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“It remains clear that management does not have a comprehensive plan to address suicide and mental health issues affecting our members.”

Motsiri called on the department to focus on mental health wellness education, improve access to employee assistance programs and implement suicide prevention strategy.