Buziwe Nocuze
The City of Cape Town is offering a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspects who shot and injured cops in Khayelitsha.
The reward came after two off-duty police officers driving in a marked car were shot and injured in Khayelitsha on Friday around 8pm.
Several other City officials were also targeted during violence in Cape Town a week ago after the metro impounded various taxis for operating without permits.
Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security Jean-Pierre Smith said they are aware of allegations that those linked to the violence in the transport sector have been collecting funds to pay alleged assassins to target uniformed officers and enforcement services.
“It is with regret that such an apparent assassination attampt was carried out against two SAPS officials at the intersection of Govan Mbeki and Swartklip Roads,” said Smith.
Seven people were arrested on Friday as taxi violence continues in Nyanga township where City staff members and vehicles were allegedly targeted. This led to road closures on the same day.
Smith said they are offering the reward to anyone who can give information on the alleged assassins.
“The information will be treated confidentially and can be made by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700,” Smith said.
Captain FC van Wyk said the 72-hour Activation Plan had been ordered for the arrest of the suspects.
He said the two constables aged 29 and 30 were shot and injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
A resident told Scrolla.Africa the taxi drivers and owners would not back down if the City continued impounding their vehicles.
“Innocent people will be affected. I hope the fight between the City and the taxi industry ends before more people lose their lives,” said the resident.
The City started a compliance operation last week with more than 70 vehicles impounded, with the taxi industry feeling that they are targeted because they are black.
