City condemns hijacking of waste services vehicles
12 September 2024
Over the past two-and-a-half months, 11 Urban Waste Management Directorate vehicles have been hijacked, along with one attempted hijacking. Most recently, a white Isuzu bakkie was hijacked in Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha last night, Wednesday 11 September.
The safety of City staff and resources remains a challenge as teams deliver services across the metro.
The 12 incidents occurred between 1 July 2024 and 11 September 2024 in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Happy Valley and Mfuleni. Two of these vehicles are still missing: a white Isuzu LDV KB250 and a white Nissan NP300 LDV. The others were recovered.
The vehicle that was hijacked in the most recent incident was used for refuse collection beat inspections during the day and for staff transport at night. The driver was accosted as he was parking the vehicle at his home, after dropping colleagues who had worked a late shift.
‘The City strongly condemns attacks on our staff and resources who are trying to deliver services. Such criminal acts are unacceptable and it hampers staff morale and service delivery. The City will continue its best to ensure the safety of our staff and resources as much as possible.
‘Fortunately, the staff member in the latest incident was not physically injured and he has been offered counselling through the employee assistance programme following this traumatic experience. A case has also been opened with SAPS.
‘We need the public’s help. Someone, somewhere must know about this incident so we urge anyone with information about this case to please report it to SAPS for their investigation.
‘The City also has a dedicated tip-off line where information can be relayed 24/7 on 0800 110077. If the information leads to a successful arrest, or the recovery of stolen property, the person may be eligible to receive a reward. They can remain anonymous.
‘We cannot let criminals rob us of our resources which are ultimately there to benefit our communities through service delivery,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
Residents should please keep in mind that safety risks to staff can sometimes delay services. When there are delays, please leave bins out until 21:00 each day until collected. The City will clear the waste as soon as it is safe to do so. Please do not resort to illegal dumping.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
