CoCT launches facility protection unit to tackle extortion-related attacks on Cape Flats

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town has launched a facility protection unit to tackle extortion-related attacks on its staff on the Cape Flats.

The metro says it has seen a steep increase in its contractors and service delivery staff being victimised by extortionists and construction mafia syndicates.

As a result the number of escorts provided by officers has increased from 759 last year to 1,300 during the same period this year.

The municipality is now urging residents to get involved in protecting infrastructure and reporting perpetrators to authorities.

"The massive spike in police escorts shows our commitment to keeping staff and contractors safe, and to ensure that service delivery. It's also a reflection of the very difficult circumstances in many of our communities. No one should have to worry about their safety when heading out to fix a street light, or a pipe, or to put out a fire, but here we are," said the city's MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith.