Transnet finally seeking eviction of people on its land in hot-spot crime area of CBD, says City
This week a cyclist died of his injuries in hospital, after being attacked by a bottle-wielding assailant.
Cape Town CBD. Picture: © druid007/123rf.com
CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security.
There are regular attacks on pedestrians and cyclists in hot-spot areas in the downtown part of the Cape Town CBD, which in the most recent case proved fatal.
This week, a cyclist died in hospital where he was being treated for his injuries.
Veteran cyclist Dennis Hammar, aged 77, was attacked by someone wielding a bottle who was trying to steal his cellphone.
RELATED: Veteran cyclist dies after CBD attack: ‘This is an ongoing problem’ - Pedal Power Association
The City of Cape Town's JP Smith says Hammar was cycling a bit outside of the regular hot-spot area.
"It was further along at what they call the Fourways informal settlement. It's a small pocket of informal structures further along, between the harbour and the Convention Centre."
JP Smith, MayCo member for Safety and Security - CoCT
Smith refers to the City's 'longstanding push' to get Transnet to have the various informal settlements on the land it owns, removed.
After a very long delay, Transnet has now finally moved to seek the eviction of people on ten of these hot spots, he reports.
"This is from Old Marine Drive in Culemborg all the way just past the Womad interchange. That covers 274 structures and 424 persons."
JP Smith, MayCo member for Safety and Security - CoCT
"The sheriff served the initial notice on 7 July, and these proceedings are all coming up in court dates very soon now."
JP Smith, MayCo member for Safety and Security - CoCT
In the meantime, since December last year, the City has been doing operations early in the mornings and late in the afternoons in this area, especially along the red bus route to try and protect the pedestrians and cyclists who used the transport lane there.
Smith says it's the eviction of people encamped on the Transnet land that 'will really change the game'.
"The sooner that happens the better. I hope Pedal Power and their members will be making substantial submissions in this eviction application so that is successful."
JP Smith, MayCo member for Safety and Security - CoCT
To hear more about the security measures currently in place, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article