Tap out extortion in informal settlements

11 March 2025

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has been made aware of incidents at an informal settlement in Heideveld, Athlone; where taps and toilets are being locked by extortionists who demand that residents pay for basic services, which are free. Residents are encouraged to report such lawlessness to the authorities.

Taps and toilets are part of the basic services provided by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate through its Informal Settlement and Basic Services (ISBS) branch.

These services are provided to over 487 informal settlements at no charge to residents, with the City providing for upkeep and maintenance of this infrastructure.

Under the current operating model, no member(s) of the public is/are authorised to lock or deny anyone access to these facilities in exchange for money to use the toilet or to collect water from the tap.

‘It is unacceptable that extortionists are trying to make money by restricting access to free basic services from vulnerable residents, unless they are prepared to pay an illegal fee.

‘The City has zero-tolerance against extortionists. Residents are urged to call the City’s tip-off line to report these incidents, which can be done anonymously.

‘The information provided can assist Law Enforcement to take the necessary action to hold the extortionists accountable,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The hotline is toll free and available 24-hours a day. It is a resource set up specifically to enable residents to report incidents of extortion directly to the City anonymously, without fear of intimidation.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office