Court issues summons to EFF to pay for protest damages

17 May 2021  

The EFF submitted an application to protest in the Brackenfell area in November 2020 and thereby accepted the responsibility to comply with national legislation and ensure a peaceful protest was carried out. The EFF failed to ensure this and failed to adhere to reasonable instructions issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) who were monitoring the protest action.

The EFF failed to respond to the City’s letter of demand issued in March this year, in which their contraventions of the Gatherings Act , as well as details regarding the damage caused, was laid out. The damage caused by the protesters amounts to R87 312.25 and included damage to a fire engine, an emergency support vehicle, eight traffic lights, a traffic light control box and refuse bins.

'While the right to peaceful protests is protected by the Constitution, there is no reason to damage government infrastructure and anyone doing so must be held accountable. I am glad that the courts have seen fit to make those responsible pay for the damages. Our residents should not have to tolerate lawlessness and I think this sends a strong message today,' said Dan Plato, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.

Issued by Greg Wagner, Spokesperson to the Executive Mayor, City of Cape Town, 17 May 2021