Nelson Mandela Bay metro cops ‘will be compliant with law’

The metro police in Nelson Mandela Bay has been scaled back because more than a quarter of its members lack matric, a driver’s licence or law enforcement skills, or have criminal records.

The force was launched by former mayor Danny Jordaan in May with 78 officers parachuted in from the city’s traffic and safety and security departments to fill its ranks.

But this number was dramatically scaled back to just 14 officers by mayor Athol Trollip earlier this week.

Nelson Mandela Bay acting city manager Johann Mettler said screening was being carried out to ensure that all metro police officers were now compliant with the SA Police Service Act.

The 78 officers present at the launch were only in acting positions.

Among them, there are 13 officers whose qualifications are being reviewed by acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.

They are expected to join the metro police force soon.