The City of Cape Town says at least 12 people have been killed by gangs targeting housing projects.
Over the past three years, there’s been a growth in violence aimed at extorting protection money from these projects.
The affected communities include Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
And the scale of violence appears to be on the rise.
In just one week, three construction workers were shot and wounded at the Symphony Way development in Delft, and a few days later, the site was petrol bombed.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, says they want the security cluster to intervene.
“As you know the custodian of opening criminal cases is the South African Police Service, so we are urging SAPS to come on board to assist us with incidents that are reported. We have also requested the National Prosecuting Authority to be part of our plan so that those involved in these criminal elements can be prosecuted immediately”, said Booi.
