CoCT seeks urgent interdict against alleged MyCiti depots extortionists

The City of Cape Town is seeking an urgent interdict against a group of alleged extortionists it accuses of trying to force out a security company guarding MyCiti depots between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.

On Monday, the municipality said the group forcibly removed the security company from site and threatened to vandalise the facility unless their preferred security company was appointed.

Mobility MMC Rob Quintas said the alleged extortionists are also demanding that only companies in Ward 99 and the broader Khayelitsha area be considered for cleaning and security work at the depot.

Quintas said law enforcement has been deployed to stabilise the situation.

"We wish to place on record that any threat of vandalism, intimidation, or disruption of municipal services is a criminal offence and will be treated as such. All companies are free to bid for work when opportunities are lawfully advertised." 
 
He added that procurement processes are founded on law and fairness, and cannot be re-written in a community meeting or dictated by threats.

"The city will defend its depot and the integrity of our systems through every legal means available. Attempts at unlawful interference for narrow local interests are an attack on the entire community and will be met with the full force of the law."