City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced a reward of R100 000 for information leading to ‘the successful capture and prosecution’ of local extortionists that are responsible for the murders of two security personnel in Philippi’s Phola Park on Tuesday, 23 April.
The two victims were escorting City staff that were attending to a sewer pipe repair in the area, according to a recent media statement released by the City.
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The security guards had driven to their destination in Phola Park in their company vehicle, while a City vehicle transported five operational staff.
After the teams disembarked to gather the necessary tools and inspect after their arrival, two armed men approached the City vehicle, while another two headed to the toilet block where ‘multiple shots were fired’.
City staff and residents fled to safety, but both private security guards were killed in the attack. A female City staff member was also injured from a hard fall during the event.
Law enforcement and SAPS soon cordoned off the crime scene, and the criminal investigation is still ongoing.
‘The City extends our heartfelt condolences to the families of two security contractor staff, who so tragically lost their lives in the shooting in Phola Park, Philippi on Tuesday 23 April,’ said Hill-Lewis.
This is but one instance of various City services that are being ‘severely impacted by criminal attacks’ in parts of Philippi. Due to the ongoing safety threats, tactical response and security escort services are being provided to both staff and contractors in the Philippi area.
‘The alarming number of attacks on staff while on duty, working to maintain a dignified service standard in informal settlements, led to the City spending over R8.5 million for private security escorts in the 2023/24 financial year alone,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for water and sanitation.
‘Unfortunately ruthless targeting persists and has now claimed two more innocent lives,’ Badroodien added.
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