Cases of alleged extortion in Eersteriver sees CoCT temporarily suspends services in the area

The City of Cape Town has temporarily withdrawn its services in Eersterivier, after its staff and contractors were allegedly threatened with extortion and forced off site while on duty, in the area, on Friday. The workers were installing lights when the incident occurred.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Mayco Member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, said no physical injuries were reported and that a case has been opened at Eerste rivier SAPS.

She urged anyone with information to report it to local authorities.

‘’It is alarming to hear that our staff were violently threatened while carrying out a much needed public lighting project in the community. 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

Earlier this week, the City also withdrew services in Phillipi East, after two security guards were shot and killed in the area, after they were assigned to escort the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management staff on Thursday. The crew was collecting refuse in the area, and the motive is alleged to be extortion related.

 

Done By: Mitchum George