The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation teams have been affected by ‘recent criminal activities’ in high-risk areas, according to a press statement issued by the City.
The Water and Sanitation staff has suffered from 22 hijackings and 52 robberies since 1 July 2023, which has led the City to spend R8.5 million on private security escorts during the 2023/2024 financial year to help protect teams while they deliver their services to affected communities.
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Of the the 22 hijackings, seven occurred in Khayelitsha, six in Philippi and three in Mfuleni.
Regarding the 52 robberies that have been reported, 16 were at gunpoint.
Six robberies occurred in Khayelitsha, while three robberies each occurred in Blue Downs and Philippi. Two robberies each occurred in Strand, Gugulethu, Fisantekraal, Athlone and Bishop Lavis.
Stolen items were also reported during these incidents, which include cellphones, watches, 12-meter reading devices, 14 tablets and PPE essential for field operations.
Some instances have proven to be fatal, such as an incident where two security contractor personnel were shot and killed on 23 April, while escorting the City’s staff in Philippi’s Phola Park community.
A R100 000 reward was offered by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis for information that would lead to ‘the successful capture and prosecution’ of those responsible.
In a later occurrence, one of two private security escorts was shot dead in the Athlone area on 17 May. The security escort was guarding a sewer pump station while an electrical contractor was working at the facility.
The case is currently being investigated by the SAPS.
‘We are working closely with local law enforcement and private security to ensure safe passage for our teams,’ said Councilor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation.
‘These safety measures are necessary to protect our staff. We assure residents we will attend to their service requests as soon as we can do so, with the necessary safety personnel. We regret any inconvenience caused when such incidents do occur,’ he added.
Badroodien has urged residents, businesses, and community leaders to help support the City’s efforts to ensure safe working conditions for their teams.
‘Let’s work together to improve safety in high-risk areas and minimise service disruptions,’ said Badroodien.
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CoCT mayor offers R100 000 reward for information of Philippi murders
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