Samwu in the WC concerned by crimes against waste management staff

The South African Municipal workers union (SAMWU) in the Western Cape said the rise in crimes against waste management staff is deeply concerning.

Statistics from the City of Cape Town show that between July 2024 and June 2025, 57 cases of hijackings were reported.

Waste management staff are reportedly being targeted robbed of their personal belongings while their dirt trucks are being hijacked.

So far, only 21 of the hijacked vehicles have been recovered.

The majority of these crimes are reportedly taking place in areas on the Cape Flats.

Samwu Western Cape regional secretary, Hlalanathi Gagayi, said members have raised this as a serious issue.

“it is concerning to us and we hope there can be a way to deal with the issue because it cannot be correct that our members must be escorted every time they must render services especially in the areas that are needing all the services, and we hope the community can help us so that we can work collectively," said Gagayi.