Cape Town halts waste collection after security guards shot and injured
Waste collection services in Cape Town have been suspended once more due to reports of criminals threatening workers and demanding protection.
The City of Cape Town has paused waste collection services in specific suburbs following a shooting incident in Marcus Garvey, Browns Farm, where urban waste management staff and their security escort were injured.
The incident happened on Thursday, 21 November. The municipality said urban waste management had been forced to deliver services under security escort in this area for some time now due to threats from criminals and demands for protection money to operate safely there. However, it is not yet confirmed if this latest attack is related to these extortion attempts.
WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES SUSPENDED IN CAPE TOWN
The municipality said four security guards were shot during the attack. Two were taken to hospital from the scene, and one is in critical condition, with multiple wounds to the chest and abdomen.
The other two managed to leave the area in a refuse collection vehicle. Later, an ambulance picked them up from the depot and took them for medical treatment.
“Unfortunately, due to this attack, it will be necessary to withdraw solid waste services from the area until further notice. We ask that residents please do what they can to help minimise dumping until it is safe for the City to return. Recycling and composting can help reduce the waste that goes to the wheelie bin,” the City of Cape Town said.
The following areas can expect disruption to waste collection services as a result of this incident:
- Marcus Garvey-Browns Farm
- Lower Crossroads
- Samora Machel
- Unathi Bester- Phillipi
MMC CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK
Alderman Grant Twigg, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Urban Waste Management, said the threats and attacks against staff working to uphold the basic rights of the most vulnerable communities must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Twigg said disruptions of services that so many depend on for their health and well-being are unacceptable.
“Our thoughts are with the communities affected by the service disruption, and we remain committed to restoring services as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of our workers. We call on SAPS and the public to stand with us in protecting those who serve our City. We also wish the security guards all the best with their recovery,” Twigg said.