| Libraries, staff and patrons impacted by violence | Libraries, staff and patrons impacted by violence | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/belhar_header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City of Cape Town’s libraries are not only plagued by vandalism and theft, but violence in the areas in which they are situated also impact operations.<br></p> | <p>The Khayelitsha Library closes for a few hours every day because of shooting in the area, while two dead bodies were found next to the Manenberg Library yesterday.</p><p>'These incidents impact our staff and patrons who are traumatised and who have to go about their days in fear. Children are unable to use the library as parents are rightly keeping them home for their own safety.</p><p>'The closure of libraries, even for a few hours, is time lost for residents who want to study, research, socialise and make use of the available resources,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.</p><p>Manenberg Library had to close for two days earlier this year due to gang violence, while Leonsdale Library had to close its doors six times so far this year due to shootings in front of the library.</p><p>In addition, cable theft and burglaries continue to affect libraries.</p><p>Cable theft has for the second time within two months impacted services at Scottsdene Library and results in libraries without telephone or internet connections.</p><p>'Our libraries are safe spaces where communities spend time to relax and find the information they need to further studies. I want to encourage our communities to ensure they stay that way,' said Councillor Van der Ross.</p><p>Some of the incidents which occurred during September and October this year include:<br></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Library</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Incident</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Bellville </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Two burglaries. During the second burglary on 11 October, four men were found in the basement. One fired at the guards. Cables were cut and the library is without electricity, although they are offering limited services. </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Delft South</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cable theft – library offline</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Masiphumelele</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cable theft – no electricity</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Moses Mabhida</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Cable theft – no electricity</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Hanover Park</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Intermittent closures daily due to violence at neighbouring terminus</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Macassar </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Library closed due to unrest<br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>Report incidents of crime or vandalism to 0800 11 00 77 or the South African Police Service.</p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-10-16T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#1f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b;L0|#01f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b|Libraries;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#29c1487e-1c77-4950-afc1-136cce225109;L0|#029c1487e-1c77-4950-afc1-136cce225109|khayalitsha;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda;L0|#0633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda|illegal activity;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
