Minister Simmers condemns attack on Kanana removal truck

It’s despicable and a complete disgrace that one of the removal trucks used to assist beneficiaries move from the Kanana informal settlement in Gugulethu to Forest Village, Eersteriver, was last night set alight and the driver assaulted.

The possessions, which includes furniture, clothes and personal documents of a 72-year old and 68-year old that were being transported in the truck, were also completely destroyed by the fire.

I condemn these continued criminal acts that is plaguing the City of Cape Town and the entire province.

It is high time that the South African Police Services (SAPS) with the assistance of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other law enforcement agencies start enforcing the law and arrest these perpetrators. I call on our justice system to show no leniency to those who are involved in these lawless activities.

It is unacceptable that people, particularly the elderly, who have an opportunity to live in improved conditions are being denied to do so by thugs who are out to turn our province into a lawless state. We are already facing the massive task of fighting the invisible enemy in COVID-19, and now we also have individuals who are denying their own community members and their fellow citizens the chance of an improved life.

This incident comes barely weeks after certain individuals attempted to prevent residents from the Joe Slovo informal settlement to move to Forest Village. All these attacks, illegal land grabs and invasions, demonstrates that there is a concerted effort by some to derail our plans to improve people’s lives within this province.

We remain steadfast and committed to our people who need these opportunities as their wellbeing is our primary concern. I urge all communities where these unruly elements are attempting to deny them an improvement in their lives to assist the law enforcement agencies by reporting such incidents.  

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.