Siege on City Service Delivery Teams: Attacks on Officials and Contractors Hamper Service Delivery

by
1 min read
city of cape town service delivery

The City of Cape Town has recently witnessed a surge in violence and threats against officials and contractors working on service delivery projects. These attacks have created a disturbing pattern of aggression towards service delivery teams, making it increasingly difficult to perform their work without armed patrols, as criminals demand protection money from the City and contractors, and threatened attacks or theft of machinery and assets.

Attack on Councillor Rob Quintas

The recent attack on Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, highlights the alarming rise in violence and threats against officials and contractors in the region. The incident took place on the 24th of May 2023, when the vehicle carrying Councillor Quintas was targeted on Democracy Way in Phoenix. The City’s VIP Protection Unit managed to injure one suspect, who was subsequently arrested.

Councillor Quintas was conducting an oversight visit for the City’s Winter Preparedness program in Joe Slovo, Milnerton, when the attack occurred. As the team left Joe Slovo and headed towards Phoenix, two armed men fired shots at their vehicle. Fortunately, no bullets struck the vehicle carrying Councillor Quintas and his team.

Other Incidents

In a similar incident, a contractor working on the resurfacing of Koeberg Road withdrew his team on the 17th of May 2023, due to local gangsters demanding protection money and threatening workers on site. The contractor was withdrawn from the site, and the City may be forced to abandon the project, as the risk to human lives is too great.

Other Urban Mobility projects affected by violence and threats include the following:

  • On the 10th of May 2023, a contractor’s worker was shot and killed in Delft while working on a road rehabilitation project.
  • The same day, a group of five men confronted and threatened a contractor working on the resurfacing of streets in Mfuleni, forcing them to stop work immediately.
  • On the 24th of May 2023, gangsters halted a project on Epping Avenue in Elsies River Industrial.

Response and Call to Action

Councillor Quintas has called upon the National Police Commissioner and the Minister of Police to address these safety concerns and protect residents from criminals. To address this escalating issue, the City of Cape Town encourages the public to report information about extortion or criminal activities to the City’s Emergency Centre, either through the toll-free number 0800 1100 77 or by calling 107 from a cell phone.

Anonymous tips are welcomed, and rewards of R5,000 are offered for tip-offs that lead to arrests. Contractors have filed reports with the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding the incidents, and the City is working closely with SAPS to address the safety concerns.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

social housing integration
Previous Story

Lufhereng Social Housing Project: Promoting Integration in Soweto

genocide international justice
Next Story

Capture of Rwandan Genocide Fugitive Fulgence Kayishema: A Triumph of International Justice

Latest from Blog

racism slavery

A Disturbing Incident: Recollection of Slavery in a High School Incident

Students at a Cape Town high school were involved in a disturbing mock auction that resembled scenes from slavery. The incident, filmed and circulated on social media, triggered investigations by school officials and widespread indignation. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the students’ actions were not in line with the values and principles of the department or the school. The incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogues about racial equality, mutual respect, and education on the lasting effects of historical crimes such as slavery.

ireland vfs global

The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals

South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.

electric fence south africa

“Spearheading Safety: South Africa’s Revised Electric Fence Regulations”

South Africa’s Bureau of Standards has updated regulations for electric fences, with new rules requiring the use of premiumgrade materials, regular inspection schedules and enhanced testing methods after installation. The SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1 requirements also include revised standards for warning sign placement and joint installation. Failure to comply with the standards can result in the denial of insurance claims, while consumers can request the Electric Fence System Installer number from installers and report improper conduct to the Department of Labour.

homelessness cape town

The Unfolding Homelessness Crisis in Cape Town’s Central Business District

The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.

south africa democracy

Examining the Path of Democracy: South Africa’s Transformation Over Thirty Years

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.