The City of Cape Town condemned the most recent threats and attempts of extortion against City staff and contractors while carrying out a public lighting project in Eerste River on Friday.
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City Public Lighting teams and contractors have temporarily withdrawn from the area and will return once it is safe to do so.
In a statement issued yesterday, CoCT encouraged residents to assist by making use of the toll-free, tip-off line with information leading to arrests of anyone targeting City staff across the metro.
This came after staff and contractors were threatened with extortion and forced off site while on duty in Eerste River. There were no physical injuries but a case has been opened at the area’s police station.
‘It is alarming to hear that our staff were violently threatened while carrying out a much needed public lighting project in the community,’ said the City’s mayoral committee member for energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.
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‘Our teams work hard to ensure that we attend to public lighting in all areas of the metro and it is sad to see them being threatened with violence while delivering these essential services in our communities.’
‘When these incidents occur, our teams temporarily withdraw from the area and return with security or when it is safe to do so. This can result in project delays.’
‘We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms and urge the community to come forward with information so that guilty parties can be held accountable for their actions.’
Anonymous tip-offs can be made toll-free on 0800 110077. A reward of R5000 will be given for information that leads to arrests.
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Picture: Brad Fickeisen / Unsplash