City to investigate reports of ANCYL threats
The City of Cape Town is today meeting with attorneys in order to obtain an interdict with a view to halting the violent disruption of City services, most particularly in Kanana/ Barcelona and Boystown.
The City views the disruption of basic service provision in a very serious light and will not allow the violent actions of a small minority to affect the living conditions of the majority of citizens.
Last night we received reports from community members in Europe that they were being threatened by members of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), who, it is alleged, threatened to burn their homes.
This, after members of this community helped to escort City officials over the weekend to service toilets in the area, which have been left unattended due to the current labour dispute between a City contractor and their former employees.
The City will work with all relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate any such claims.
Over the last few weeks - six City employees have been attacked. A month ago, a City vehicle was set alight in Kanana.
On Friday, a City official was attacked whilst travelling in a City vehicle through the Boystown area. He was injured by a brick hitting him on the head and glass shattering on his arm and was taken to hospital for treatment.
On Monday, City staff were individually identified and threatened by community members in Kanana/Barcelona.
Threats have been consistently made to the City and its service providers over this period.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that the intimidation of City staff and disruption of major transport routes is part of a well-coordinated strategy.
The City will not stand idly by while our staff are being attacked, and while the rights of innocent citizens to sanitation and other services, is threatened.
Statement issued by Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, City of Cape Town, May 22 2013
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
