Remain cautious, report criminals
14 February 2024
The City’s Finance Directorate reminds residents to be cautious at all times, especially about who they allow on to their property, and to report all criminal and scamming attempts to the City and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
'We were alerted to an incident earlier this week where three criminals wearing City branded reflective vests gained access to a resident's home in the Lansdowne area. They convinced the resident they were there regarding her indigent support application. Once inside the resident's home, the criminals asked where the electricity meter could be found and shoved the resident to the side. The resident quickly realised what was happening and pushed a panic button, triggering alarms and alerting security and the SAPS.
'If residents are unsure about any City official visiting their home, they are encouraged to make contact with the City's Call Centre to verify the visit. Residents can call on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether an official visiting their home should be there and to verify the reference number prior to giving them access to their property.
'Residents should not allow individuals into their home if they cannot produce the requested reference number or City-issued identification card,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.
The South African Police Service is the lead authority in crime prevention.
Tips for residents to verify whether visitors to their home are in fact employed by the City:
- Always verify the reference number when an official visits your home
- Check the official's City-issued identification card
- The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member
- If unsure, call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089
- Report suspicious behaviour to the City's law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS
More information on indigent support:
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
