The construction of a yard at the Gugulethu cemetery was temporarily stopped after unknown people demanded money from the contractor working there.
It has been more than a week since the contractor left the site unattended.
A community leader from Barcelona informal settlement in Gugulethu who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal said they suspect that the people who demanded the money are part of an extortionist gang who are terrorising the communities.
He stated that they are not aware when the construction will resume.
“Just when we were applauding the City for doing the great job for building the yard for the cemetery after such a long time the graveyard was vandalised. The extortionists are doing as they please. They are dictating even to the government,” he said.
He adds that they instill fear because they are unafraid of killing. He believes that the City of Cape Town will take action.
“I believe the City will deal with these criminals. I believe JP Smith (the City’s mayco member for Safety and Security) can clean the metro if he can be given the go ahead. If JP Smith can control the taxi operators and cause the whole industry to standstill, why can’t he do the same to these hooligans? These cruel people need to be arrested once and for all,” he said, adding that they are delaying the development. He said what the alleged extortionists are doing is disturbing.
The City confirmed that it is trying by all means to resume work.
“The City can confirm that work on the cemetery wall has been interrupted due to threats levelled against the contractor. Work is underway to put measures in place so that the project can continue,” said the City in a statement.
The City condemns the ongoing efforts to hinder service delivery in this matter.
- Residents are encouraged to report any incidents or information they may have linked to extortion, to the City’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 323 130.
