Buziwe Nocuze
Reconstruction of the Central railway line in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town has been forced to come to a stop after gangsters wielding AK-47s drove workers away.
On Monday, the Prasa employees were chased off the site by gangsters after they failed to pay them a protection fee that they demanded.
In a dramatic video taken as soon as employees left the area, alleged extortionists can be seen holding AK-47s and firing shots into the air.
“They are lucky they are gone. They are working with the fucking white bastards.” one of them says in the video while wearing a balaclava.
Prasa spokesperson Zino Mihi said the contracting teams were shocked and traumatised after being approached by a group of gunmen.
“We are working with the relevant stakeholders since this was not the first time something like this has happened,” said Mihi.
“Besides delaying the progress of the project, it leaves employees traumatised. We don’t know when to continue with the project.”
Ward Councillor Angus Mckenzie said the decision to stop work immediately was not taken to appease gangsters but to ensure the safety of staff members.
“We will not be held to ransom by gangsters and we will not allow gangsters to assume control of our projects and communities. This is not how we will operate,” said Mackenzie.
A community member said the extortion would never stop because the gangsters see that the people who demand money from businesses don’t get arrested.
“Even amateurs are taking a chance and asking for extortion money,” she said.
Other extortion incidents happened in Khayelitsha, where Eskom employees were asked to pay protection or leave the area.
Captain Frederick van Wyk, Western Cape spokesperson, said SAPS, with Prasa and local councillors, had a meeting on Tuesday morning.
“The Prasa team indicated that all work will be held up until they have structures in place,” said Van Wyk.
“Bishop Lavis SAPS enquired about the intimidation on Monday as the contractor didn’t want to open a case.”
Investigations continue.
