| Stakeholders unite to resume extortion-impacted toilet cleaning services in Khayelitsha | <p>This immediate intervention follows incidents of extortion, hi-jacking and robbery of service provider staff, forcing the temporary suspension of container toilet servicing on 26 October 2023 in Khayelitsha informal settlements. </p><div>The service provider reported that the driver of their truck was robbed at gunpoint of his phone, keys and driver's licence while servicing France informal settlement. In a separate incident, the service provider’s truck was also hijacked in Graceland informal settlement. <br></div><div><br></div><div><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/image00009.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /></figure></span>‘Extortion impacts the dignity of our residents, and the City condemns extortion efforts which jeopardise our efforts to deliver basic services. Today we had meaningful engagement with councillors and subcouncils to discuss solutions that we could consider as a way forward.</div><div> </div><div>‘We have come up with a temporary, immediate intervention that will see teams from tomorrow, and over the next few days, do a blitz operation, incrementally servicing the affected container toilets under security protection. </div><div> </div><div>‘In the meantime, discussions continue between the City and ward councillors on long-term solutions to ensure this vital service continues. Ward councillors will also be liaising with community leaders in their wards so we can all work together to find a sustainable solution so that this service can resume its usual schedule, ensuring the safety of the workers on-site and while travelling.<br></div><div> </div><div>‘Residents can also help by reporting any information, even anonymously, about extortion related matters. Cash rewards are available for information leading to the arrest of extortionists. In this way, we can root out criminals harming these communities and preventing the delivery of services,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.<br></div><div><br></div><div><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/image00008.jpeg" alt="" /></figure></span><strong>Affected informal settlements are:</strong></div><div>France- Solomon Mahlangu/BM Section 228, Gomora, Graceland, Lockdown Bay, Mpolweni, New Culture, New Dawn, Noxolo Xauke, Pandemic, QQ Section, Sanitiser, Sibanye, Sizamimpilo, RR Section, TR Section, Wetland, Makhaza Phakati and Estate.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Reporting extortion can be anonymous</strong></div><div>Recently Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched a new city-wide Anti-Extortion Campaign under the slogan Enough is Enough! Genoeg is Genoeg! Kwanele! </div><div> </div><div>As part of the campaign, the City has set up a 24-hour hotline (0800 00 6992) and rewards system as a call-to-action for residents to help the City tackle extortion.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Anonymous tip-offs are encouraged:</strong></div><div>Phone 24/7: 0800 00 6992</div><div>Email: SSIMS.SSIUReporting@capetown.gov.za</div><div> <br><br></div> | 2023-11-08T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#52067ea8-f5f1-4932-89ca-f948312f8164;L0|#052067ea8-f5f1-4932-89ca-f948312f8164|Khayelitsha;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#335f4547-2e97-4fef-8dfb-be42e0eedc06;GP0|#c289420e-2bd2-4c1b-b2ba-222fd53e2c48;L0|#0c289420e-2bd2-4c1b-b2ba-222fd53e2c48|toilets;GP0|#352cb5da-6a34-4bf4-959d-14dc8987a2b4;L0|#0352cb5da-6a34-4bf4-959d-14dc8987a2b4|water and sanitation | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
