Wednesday, October 02, 2024

Mobility month 2024 in WC focuses on tackling extortion

The month of October is recognised as ‘Mobility month’, and this initiative, which is in its nineteenth year, aims to highlight the crucial role that the transport sector plays in the province.

COURTESY: SAPS


Western Cape authorities says the 2024 focus will be on promoting safety across all modes of transport, with particular attention to tackling extortion in the sector.

The Western Cape Government (WCG), alongside the South African Police Services (SAPS), Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the City of Cape Town, launched Mobility Month 2024 at the Bellville Transport Interchange on Tuesday, and went on a walk-about to the various transport hubs at the interchange.

“Extortion is a crime gaining in prominence nationally, and unfortunately the Western Cape has not been spared the scourge. The WCG is working with the SAPS, LEAP officers, municipalities, and other stakeholders to act very firmly against extortionists. We have been encouraged by the progress we have seen but there is still a long road ahead of us” said Anroux Marais, Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku said the development of an integrated public transport network will make transport affordable to all people.

‘’We understand that most people in marginalised areas depend entirely on existing transport modes to get to work, schools, places of worship and recreation. One of my key priorities is to facilitate the development of a transportation network which is cheaper, faster, and safer.”

“We decided to come to Bellville as three modes of transport - rail, minibus taxis, and buses - are all operating from here. This hub of transport is vital to the movement of people and goods across the City. An integrated and reliable transport network is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation" added Sileku.

COURTESY: SAPS


The group also visited taxi ranks and bus stops and spoke to commuters about the importance of the various public transport modes. Officials concluded the visit with a train ride to Cape Town.

SAPS Cape Town District Commissioner, Major General Vincent Beaton, encouraged residents to call and report extortion to the dedicated SAPS toll free number on 0800 31 44 44.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

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