The City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has issued a strong condemnation of the alarming increase in hijackings and violent attacks against its waste services staff and vehicles, reports Cape {town} Etc.
These disturbing trends are not only endangering the lives of essential frontline workers but are also jeopardising the critical waste collection and cleansing services relied on by millions of residents across the metro.
In a stark revelation, data for the financial year from July 2024 to June 2025 documented a troubling 57 cases of hijacked Urban Waste Management vehicles.
The Cape Flats and certain regions of the Overberg subregion have been notably affected, with some incidents reaching a severe level of violence.
Among the reported cases is the shocking hijacking of Bingo, the anti-litter mascot, alongside his driver, illustrating the pervasive threat facing staff members dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness and health of their communities.
Despite continued efforts, only 21 of the hijacked vehicles have been recovered, leaving a significant operational gap for various essential services such as Cleansing, Collections, Disposal, and the Public Awareness teams.
‘The hijacking of service vehicles is unacceptable. I want to state in the strongest terms that the City condemns these actions. Our staff are simply trying to do their jobs – keeping our communities clean and healthy. They are public servants, not targets,’ proclaimed Alderman Grant Twigg, the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.
The impact of these hijackings goes well beyond logistical challenges. The emotional and psychological repercussions on frontline staff have been profound.
Reports indicate that some personnel have required hospitalisation due to acute stress, while others exhibit symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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City has recognised the necessity of addressing these mental health concerns while ensuring the safety of its employees in an increasingly volatile environment.
In response to these challenges, the City is collaborating with law enforcement to enhance safety measures and bring those responsible for these criminal acts to justice. ‘We continue to work with law enforcement to safeguard staff and bring perpetrators to justice,’ said Twigg.
In a bid to strengthen service delivery, the City has already invested millions in new waste management vehicles this year, especially targeting the most vulnerable areas. However, these hijackings pose a critical threat to this progress, resulting in service delays, increased operational costs, and ongoing trauma for employees.
The City is calling on local communities to play an active role in combatting this criminal behaviour. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or provide information regarding perpetrators to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the City’s dedicated 24/7 tip-off line at 0800 110077.
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City concerned about the escalating attacks on waste services personnel
Picture: City of Cape Town
Source: City of Cape Town
