Public asked to come forward with information on violent protests

Public asked to come forward with information on violent protests, as third  person tragically dies

The City of Cape Town calls on any member of the public with information about the series of violent protests of recent days, to come forward. A R50 000 reward for information has already been offered.

“By early this morning, the City was aware of three people who had passed away as a result of these violent protests. Last night 30 year-old Xolela Poncho died after his truck was stoned by protesters and he drove into a barricade near the N2/Mew Way intersection. Golden Arrow bus driver Sandile Hoko passed away after the bus he was driving on Friday 3 August was stoned and the bus crashed into a number of houses. Daniel Sass who was in one of the houses at the time of the accident passed away on Monday 6 August 2012 from injuries sustained.    

“This senseless loss of life is unacceptable and on behalf of the City of Cape Town I again convey my condolences to the families. They are in our thoughts and the City will do everything in its power to assist the South African Police Services in identifying and prosecuting the individuals responsible”, said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Protests have already caused over R5 million worth of damage to infrastructure, while valuable law enforcement resources are diverted away from their normal duties to concentrate on dealing with illegal protests. A further R600 000 has already been spent in overtime budgets for law enforcement,” said Alderman Smith.

“We welcome any information that will help in the successful prosecution of those people who are responsible for these deaths, the destruction of property, or who make themselves guilty of instigating or participating in public violence,” said Alderman Smith.

The City of Cape Town like any major city in South Africa has to contend with increasing levels of urbanisation, as well as historical service delivery backlogs as a result of our Apartheid past. However, unlike many other metros, Cape Town  has high levels of service-delivery, with the lowest number of people not receiving basic services.

The City is resolute in its commitment to building a Caring and Inclusive City serving all the people of Cape Town.  It will not hesitate to use all legal means at its disposal to act against thugs and criminals who are intent on disrespecting the democratic will of the majority.

·         Anyone with information about illegal activity can contact either Alderman JP Smith on 021 400 1311/ jean-pierre.smith@capetown.gov.za or Executive Director for Safety and Security Richard Bosman on 021 400 3355/ richard.bosman@capetown.gov.za   

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Issued by:  Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department,  City of Cape Town