JMPD fuel cards blocked over unpaid bills. What it means for Joburg
Dickelbers via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is short of fuel because its fuel cards have been blocked over unpaid accounts, according to an internal directive dated 21 October and signed by JMPD chief Patrick Jaca (The Citizen, TimesLIVE).
The directive said service stations that had been refuelling JMPD vehicles on credit stopped once the department hit its credit limits (The Citizen).
What did the JMPD order officers to do?
The directive, issued on Wednesday 21 October, told all members, whatever their rank, to stop taking work vehicles home (TimesLIVE). It said:
- Vehicles must be parked at JMPD facilities after every shift.
- Remaining fuel is reserved for visible policing, law enforcement, emergency response and other critical work.
- State vehicles may not be used for personal trips, including travel between home and work.
- Officers may not pay for fuel with their own money, because it would distort fuel and fleet records.
- Breaking the rules could lead to disciplinary action.
Jaca wrote that the fuel shortage was a "significant risk to operational continuity" (TimesLIVE).
Is the directive still in force?
No. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla told The Citizen on Thursday afternoon that the directive had been retracted, but that "the situation regarding fuel remains the same" (The Citizen). The JMPD has not said publicly how much it owes, when the cards will be unblocked or how patrols will be kept going.
Why does this matter if you live in Joburg?
The JMPD handles traffic policing and by-law enforcement across Johannesburg and supports SAPS in crime prevention, work that depends on vehicles being on the road (The Citizen). Fewer kilometres driven can mean fewer patrols and slower responses to non-emergency calls.
Emergencies still go to SAPS on 10111 or the national emergency number 112 from a cellphone.
What else is the JMPD dealing with?
The department is also trying to appoint a new speed camera supplier after its contract with the previous provider lapsed in December, TimesLIVE reported (TimesLIVE).
FAQ
Why is the JMPD short of fuel?
An internal JMPD directive dated 21 October said the department's fuel cards were blocked because of non-payment, and service stations that had given it credit stopped after reaching their limits.
Are JMPD officers still allowed to take vehicles home?
The 21 October directive banned it, but JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla told The Citizen on 22 October that the directive was retracted. He said the fuel situation had not changed.
Who do I call in an emergency in Johannesburg?
Call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a cellphone.
Has the JMPD said when the fuel problem will be fixed?
Not publicly. The department has not said how much it owes or when its fuel cards will work again.