Police killings an attempt to taint ANC’s image: Popcru

Police union, Popcru, says police killings are not only a way that some are trying to destabilise the country but it is also an attempt to make it look like the ANC is unable to lead the country.

Popcru was speaking during the debates on resolutions at Day 2 of the Cosatu Congress taking place in Midrand Johannesburg.

"The intentions of the killing of police is to destabilize the country and make it seem like the ANC cannot lead the country," says Popcru.
Popcru called for interventions to help end police killings. More than 60 officers have been killed in the country in 2015 and Popcru says 70% of them were from their union.

Other issues that were raised during the debate include, the alliance,  free education and e-tolls. Affiliates say the alliance should be a "strategic centre" on an on-going basis, and not only during elections.

Other affiliates have called for Cosatu to stay out of the debates on who will lead the ANC after Zuma for now. Affiliates say that uniting the Cosatu and dealing with worker issues is what should be priority now, and that deciding who should lead the ANC can be dealt with later.

On free education, affiliates were unanimous in their calls for free education. "If we cannot have free education in the year of the Freedom Charter, then when?" says Nehawu.

Samwu critisized President Jacob Zuma for not communicating with SACP General Secretary and Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, during the Fees-Must-Fall protests. Affiliates say there must be synergy and unity within Cosatu and in the alliance.

Another issue that was dealt with was the issue of e-tolls. Affiliates say they continue to oppose the system as it does not have the interest of the working class. The congress continues on Wednesday.