The increased frequency and bravado of attacks on emergency and law enforcement personnel has become a growing concern for the City of Cape Town’s safety and security portfolio committee.
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According to the portfolio committee, these attacks have the potential to seriously disrupt service delivery.
Numerous attacks on members of the safety and security services have occurred since the end of July.
These include the murder of two law enforcement officers, the shooting of two others in separate incidents, an attack on two traffic officers in Philippi, and attacks on firefighters responding to incidents in Elsies River and Kraaifontein.
Between July and September, the metro police department recorded 15 attacks on employees.
In one case, a female officer was driving in Delft when the driver of a taxi attempted to push her off the road before the passengers began throwing stones at the vehicle. The attackers fled when backup arrived.
In another case, an officer was bitten by a dog that a crowd had set on him and his colleagues in Elsies River.
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Officers were attempting to apprehend a suspect in a smash-and-grab when some members of the community intervened and threatened them.
In addition, at least a dozen traffic service vehicles were damaged in protest-related stoning incidents between July and September, including two that were petrol-bombed.
Chairperson of the safety and security portfolio committee, councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, said committee members condemned these acts and were very concerned for the safety of the directorate’s staff.
‘They work so hard to serve our communities, often in very difficult circumstances, and so it is incredibly disappointing to see how prevalent attacks have become, and also the level of violence directed at staff.’
‘Yes, there are things like insurance that can compensate for damages, equipment lost and so forth, but there is a far bigger cost that many fail to realise. For every vehicle that has to go for repairs, it is one fewer vehicle available for visible and proactive crime prevention patrols,’ Nqavashe said.
‘For every staff member attacked, it is days, if not weeks of one fewer officer on duty, responding to the needs of communities. Even where staff are not physically harmed, emotional and psychological trauma cannot be ignored.’
‘Ultimately, our communities who need these services, are the ones most affected. As the directorate rolls out its bodycams and dashboard mounted devices, it will become increasingly difficult for perpetrators to hide,’ said Nqavashe.
‘Hopefully these shameless attacks will cease once we start tracking down more of those responsible, and bringing them to book.’
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Picture: City of Cape Town
