‘Unacceptable. Heartbreaking. Totally callous,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi, after the latest incident where City contractors and security guards came under attack yesterday, 7 July 2021, at the City’s Beacon Valley housing project in Mitchells Plain.

‘This was the fourth targeted shooting incident with malicious intent towards this project. It was also the second time petrol bombing was used to damage the construction plant. In this latest incident, two construction workers were shot, one in both his legs and the other in the chest. The last-mentioned is currently fighting for his life in hospital. These latest incidents happened within 24hours after contractors moved back to site after the previous shootings. Both contractors have since de-established the site and all work has ceased. The area remains tense and security has been increased, including City law enforcement agencies.

‘The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the lead crime-fighting authority and is investigating this shooting. The possibility that this is in relation to extortion rackets is not being ruled out. It is an increasingly common occurrence at City project across the metro and it is to the detriment of the community at large and earmarked beneficiaries. The City, and or its contractors (the latter who are responsible for their staff’s safety), implement various measures, including law enforcement escorts, private security or the suspension of projects and services, where the danger to life is pronounced. This impacts communities at large and beneficiaries and residents in particular. We urge anyone with information on this shooting to please come forward with anonymous tip offs to the City or to approach the SAPS,’ said Councillor Booi.

Anonymous tip offs welcomed

Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.

Source: City Of Cape Town