/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA in the Western Cape sends its deepest condolences to the family of a Cape Town City official who was shot and killed at the Symphony Way Housing Project in Delft. The official was shot multiple times inside her car as she was heading into the construction site for inspection.

Violence, intimidation and extortion at housing construction sites continue to be on the rise in the province. It is, therefore, welcomed that the City of Cape Town has allocated R15 million towards additional security for housing projects. The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements also recently disclosed that R1.5 million is spent each month on security at housing construction sites.

The SAPS reported at a Standing Committee on Human Settlements last month that despite all the crimes occurring at housing construction sites, not a single arrest has been made recently. These criminal syndicates are comfortable for exactly this reason. This is why an urgent new model of policing is needed where provincial governments can manage the police in their respective provinces.

MPP Matlhodi Maseko says, “I welcome the announcement by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis that a reward of R100 000 has been made available for any members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of the City’s official. I further want to encourage residents from Delft and surrounding areas to come forward if they have any information to assist the City to identify these criminal syndicates. The only way they can be defeated is if communities work together with the government in tackling the matter.

It is with regret that the Symphony Way housing construction has again had to be suspended and further delayed. Once again, beneficiaries waiting for an opportunity and dignity of home ownership have to wait longer.”

Issued by Matlhodi Maseko, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Human Settlements