- A City of Cape Town fire truck was stoned in Fisantekraal on Monday 2 October.
- Another incident occurred yesterday (Thursday 5 October), when firefighters responded to a structure fire in Uitsig, Elsies River.
- The City offered a reward of up to R5 000 for any information, including cellphone videos, that can help identify the perpetrators and lead to their arrest.
A fire truck of the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue
service department was stoned by residents earlier this week while
extinguishing a fire at an informal structure in Fisantekraal.
According to a post on Facebook by JP Smith, Mayco Member
for Safety and Security, firefighters attended to a structure fire in
Fisantekraal on Monday 2 October.
Another incident occurred yesterday (Thursday 5 October),
when firefighters responded to a structure fire in Uitsig, Elsies River. They
were first intimidated by the sound of gunshots, after which stones were thrown
at them.
“In both instances firefighters continued their duties and
extinguished these fires before hurriedly retreating from these areas,” Smith
said. “While the firefighters were fortunate themselves not to have suffered
injuries, both fire engines were damaged and will need to be taken out of
service for repairs.
“Sadly, it is then the most vulnerable who will be adversely
affected.”
Reward
The City offered a reward of up to R5 000 for any
information, including cellphone videos, that can help identify the
perpetrators and lead to their arrest.
“The Fire and Rescue Service will make the necessary
logistical arrangements to transfer remaining vehicles around various stations,
to ensure we are still best-positioned to continue providing a world-class
service.
“ We condemn the hostile actions of those who target our
firefighters or those responding to similar emergencies, as often occurs with
paramedics and ambulance staff. While firefighters are accustomed to risking
their one safety on a daily basis against unforgiving flames, they are not
trained to handle violent and aggressive, direct attacks from criminals while
responding to emergencies.
“The resulting trauma inflicted on members in this regard is
therefore unacceptable.”
