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Safety Concerns Force Withdrawal of Cape Town Public Lighting Teams in Eerste River
In an alarming incident on Friday, September 15, 2023, City of Cape Town Public Lighting teams and contractors have been temporarily withdrawn from their duties in Eerste River.
This withdrawal follows threats and attempts of extortion directed towards them while they were engaged in a crucial project.
Threats Targeting City Staff
The City of Cape Town staff and contractors found themselves in a perilous situation as they faced threats and extortion attempts while working in Eerste River.
Fortunately, there were no physical injuries sustained during the incident. Nevertheless, it’s a concerning turn of events.
Temporary Withdrawal for Safety
Due to the safety concerns arising from the threats and extortion, the municipality has taken the decision to temporarily withdraw the Public Lighting teams and contractors from the affected area.
They will only return when the situation is deemed safe.
Encouraging Community Involvement
In response to this unsettling situation, the City of Cape Town has called upon residents to actively assist them in addressing this issue.
They have urged the community to use the toll-free tip-off line to provide any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible for targeting City staff in various parts of the metro.
A Case Filed with the Police
In response to the threats and extortion, a formal case has been opened at a local police station in the Eerste River area.
This legal action underscores the seriousness of the incident and the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its staff and contractors.
Mayoral Committee Member’s Concern
City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, expressed deep concern about the incident.
She emphasized the importance of their staff’s safety, particularly when they are involved in providing essential public lighting services to communities.
Impact on Project Delays
The withdrawal of teams due to safety concerns can potentially lead to delays in ongoing projects.
The City has made it clear that they condemn these actions in the strongest terms and are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their threats and actions.
Community Cooperation Encouraged
In conclusion, the City of Cape Town is counting on the cooperation of the community to come forward with information that can aid in identifying and bringing to justice those who have threatened and extorted City staff.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of public servants as they carry out vital services in our communities.
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