City seeking interdict against extortionists at MyCiTi Spine Road Depots
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is seeking an urgent interdict against a group of individuals attempting to force out the legally appointed security services provider at the new MyCiTi Spine Road depots and replace them with their own preferred service provider.
The City of Cape Town strongly condemns attempts by a group of would-be extortionists to unlawfully interfere in statutory procurement processes and disrupt operations at the newly constructed MyCiTi bus depots at the corner of Spine Road and Mew Way between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
On Monday, 24 November, the group forcibly removed from site the legitimately appointed security presence and reiterated threats to disrupt or vandalise the facility unless their preferred security company was appointed.
This follows an ambushed meeting with City officials last week, 20 November, during which community members issued direct threats in the event their demands are not met.
These demands include the removal of the legally appointed service provider, Bidvest, to be replaced by Sibakhulu, a company that was subcontracted to provide security services during the construction of the depot. They further demanded that this company must provide security on an ongoing basis, that only companies in Ward 99 and the broader Khayelitsha area be considered for cleaning and security work at the depot.
The City is seeking an urgent interdict to protect the facility, and cases have been opened with SAPS. Law Enforcement has been deployed to stabilise the situation, but this cannot continue indefinitely without detriment to other priority areas.
The City wishes to place on record that any threat of vandalism, intimidation, or disruption of municipal services is a criminal offence and will be treated as such.
Moreover, the Vehicle Operating Company (VOC) contracted to manage the facility, is responsible for appointing its own subcontractors, including security and cleaning services, in line with prescripts of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Finally, temporary construction-phase work opportunities do not confer automatic rights to long-term security or operational contracts.
‘This facility is a public asset, built to serve over 1,4 million residents across more than 30 communities. It cannot be captured by any group for narrow personal gain. All companies are free to bid for work when opportunities are lawfully advertised.
‘Procurement processes are founded on law and fairness and cannot be rewritten in a community meeting or dictated by threats.
‘The City will defend this depot and the integrity of our systems through every legal means available. Attempts at unlawful interference for narrow local interests are an attack on the entire community and will be met with the full force of the law,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
