Cape Town -Mec Bonginkosi Madikizela Calls for Police Action in Boys Town Project, Nyanga
I am calling for immediate South African Police Service (SAPS) action in response to complaints laid by the community of Nyanga. The Boys Town Housing project in Crossroads, Nyanga, Cape Town, has been beset by violence since its inception. At stake are some of the 1392 houses planned, of which 559 have been completed. These houses are desperately needed by the people of Crossroads, and it's my job to ensure that they are delivered as quickly as possible.
There have been repeated allegations from the community about intimidation and violence around the project, and I have repeatedly made the call for people to come forward with evidence. Many cases have in fact been laid at the Nyanga Police station, yet there has been no operational plan created by SAPS to investigate. I am told that the community has lost faith and trust in SAPS.
Allegations that the actions are political, and therefore need not be investigated, are not acceptable. If people break the law, destroying property, endangering life and perpetuating violence, they must be prosecuted and put behind bars. There is no excuse for breaking the law. In order for this to happen, SAPS must do its job and follow up on cases reported. Intimidation of contractors cannot be allowed, and work must continue. In a meeting with SAPS at Nyanga this morning, it was agreed that an operational plan would be put in place and the criminals in the area tracked down.
I will be following up on this. If the plan is not operationalised, I will request the Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Mr Dan Plato, to engage the Western Cape Police Commissioner, General Arno Lamoer, the ensure that action is taken. It is unacceptable that the interests of a few people who behave like terrorists keep hundreds from access to decent housing in the area.
Issued by: Western Cape Human Settlements
No comments:
Post a Comment