Three City of Cape Town workers were robbed at gunpoint on their way home last Saturday after spending the day responding to 18 call-out requests.
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Senior operational supervisor driver, China Dabongo headed out to Kew, Samora Machel, Nyanga and Gugulethu for the 8pm City staff drop-off. While disembarking at Samora Machel, the City vehicle was held up by three armed men, who demanded that the team hand over all their valuables.
‘It’s unacceptable that it has become a norm for many City employees working at the front line of service delivery, to have life-threatening experiences while trying to make an honest living,’ says Councillor Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for water and sanitation.
‘In the current financial year, more than R34 million has been incurred by the Directorate for safety interventions. This includes escort services provided by the Law Enforcement Department. Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide private security every day for every eventuality.’
The vehicle was not stolen and no one was injured.
According to a City statement, a case has been opened at the Samora Police Station and the members will receive counselling via the Employee Wellness Programme.
‘We need to start recognising these unsung heroes as role models living within our communities. They are not only City employees, but mothers and fathers providing for their families through physically taxing work,’ says Badroodien.
‘Communities can work together with the City to protect those who commute in this way, by having a zero tolerance for attacks on City vehicles transporting workers in their area.’
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