CoCT refuses to bow down to extortionists after security guard was shot

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says it will not bow down to the demands of syndicates that continue to attack and intimidate its staff at construction sites.

A security guard was shot and injured along with a K9 patrol dog at a construction site in Philippi on Tuesday.

The attack happened when the Urban Mobility Directorate was busy with construction work related to the rollout of the second phase of the MyCiti bus service in the metro south-east.

The city said the security guard is receiving treatment in hospital while the dog is admitted at a veterinary clinic.

According to the city, its officials have been getting threats from criminals who want to control subcontracting services.

"The extortion must be stamped out if not it will destroy lives, livelihoods, city community projects, and the wellbeing of us all. We are offering rewards for information that can lead to the arrest of those involved," said the City's Urban Mobility MMC, Rob Quintas.