SAPS agrees to City’s urging for reopening of Government Avenue

22 September 2022

The South African Police Services (SAPS) have agreed to remove barb-wire restricting public access to Government Avenue adjacent to parliament in the Cape Town CBD

Following the parliament fire, SAPS installed barbwire unilaterally restricting public access to this historic Avenue, which forms a main arterial pedestrian route for the City Centre.

It was the view of the City that this was an unlawful obstruction of a public thoroughfare.

'Over the last few months, my office has been in negotiation with SAPS about opening Government Avenue and we are pleased that the agreed date for the removal of barbwire is being honoured. The removal of barbwire is likely to be complete by 23 September according to correspondence received from SAPS today, 22 September. We welcome the reinstatement of this historic and important thoroughfare in central Cape Town,' said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

SAPS will now instead place a barrier on the inside of the parliamentary precinct to restrict unauthorised access. This will effectively reinstate freedom of movement for pedestrians via Government Avenue.

The City had pointed out there was no lawful basis to continue the restriction on public access and that steps would be taken to clear the barriers should these not be removed. This is no longer necessary as good faith discussions with SAPS appear to have succeeded. We will certainly be holding the SAPS to their promise.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office