A number of vehicles were torched in the area this morning, including at least four Golden Arrow buses and a City truck.
The violent attacks erupted just hours after the start of an integrated enforcement operation involving public sector vehicles.
Officers impounded 21 vehicles in terms of the National Land Transport Act – 19 ‘amaphela’ taxis and two minibus taxis, for operating without a valid permit or operating in contravention of the conditions set out in their permit.
‘The violence that followed is no coincidence. This appears to be the modus operandi every time that our enforcement services move into this area in particular, to do their jobs. The last such incident was recorded in March this year, and just over a year ago, we witnessed similar violence in the Nyanga area. This level of lawlessness is unacceptable and we will not be deterred.
‘It cannot be the case that a small group of instigators want to hold us hostage and escape accountability for their actions each and every time. Enforcement occurs throughout the city, and the law has to be applied equally to all,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Four Golden Arrow buses were torched, as well as a truck belonging to the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate.
‘I was informed about a truck from the Road Infrastructure Management Department that was set alight while on its way to Heideveld to deliver basic services. I condemn this act in the strongest terms possible. Not only does it disrupt service delivery, but also compromises the safety of our staff and deprives our residents of a basic right to service. Every time a vehicle is burned, service delivery is delayed and our residents have to go without services like repairs to roads and unblocking of stormwater drains, among other things. This is due to the unavailability of funds and vehicles. Our staff, some who are members of these communities, fear for their lives and have to go for counselling before they can work again.
This is an act of criminality and cannot be allowed to continue. The is now declared a no go zone due to violent criminality, thus, no service delivery. I call on residents from Nyanga to please support our efforts in providing services that will benefit them greatly, said the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The City is aware of numerous injuries, although details would need to be confirmed by SAPS and/or Emergency Medical Services.
The City’s enforcement services are working closely with the South African Police Service to track down the persons responsible for today’s attacks – the public is advised to exercise caution in this area, and it is advised that service delivery vehicles withdraw from the area until the situation has stabilised.
Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Alternatively, call SAPS on 10111.
Source: City Of Cape Town