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On Thursday, 28 September 2023, a refuse collection crew was working in A Fenqe Street in Nyanga when they were approached by eight armed men. The men demanded a protection fee for the workers to have safe passage through the area, and robbed one staff member of his phone.

The City's Urban Waste Management Directorate plans to re-engage with SAPS and the City's Safety and Security Directorate to request their urgent assistance in dealing with this growing trend of extortion. This follows a similar incident in Philippi East recently which led to a temporary suspension of services in the area.

We call on residents to please refrain from dumping uncollected waste, and to watch the media (including the City's social media channels) for further updates about clearing existing backlogs in the area, or possible adjusted waste collection schedules.

Counselling has been arranged for traumatised staff.

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