Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink has decried a lack of progress in investigations into alleged crimes emanating from the strike that rocked the city in the past few weeks.
Tshwane workers have been striking since the city reneged on the 2021 salary increase agreement.
The strike, which has resulted in job losses and significant disruptions in the city’s service delivery, was deemed unlawful but protests persist.
In a statement on Tuesday, Brink said in the midst of the storm, he has reached out to Police Minister Bheki Cele and national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola to request an update on the investigations.
Brink raised concerns about the pace at which the police are attending to the heightened rate of crime in the city since the strike commenced.
“It is concerning that despite the city handing over clear and credible information on the illegal strike violence and systematic attacks on the city personnel, assets, and vehicles, no new arrests have been made” he said.
Brink emphasised that 50 cases with charges of attempted murder and intimidation have been reported, but noted that there has been minimal progress made.
24 people arrested so far
So far, the police have made 24 arrests, with 19 of them being related to the early days of the strike, the mayor said.
“The violence, however, is relentless. Just yesterday [Monday], three of our buses were attacked in various parts of the city.
“However, in this instance, both the SAPS [SA Police Service] and the Tshwane Metro Police Department responded swiftly, arresting four suspects.
“This we applaud, but the city still needs a progress update on the other cases.
“In my letter, I expressed concern to the minister that this apparent lack of progress in the various investigations, especially in a case of attempted murder and where a senior union official’s vehicle was used to commit arson, may embolden these criminal elements to continue with their campaign of violence and destruction.”
He urged the minister to prioritise the city’s woes, asserting that the residents have endured so much already.
He said: “Tshwane residents have endured the violent and criminal effects of this unlawful strike for months.
“It is important that we reassure our residents that we are committed to bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to book, so that service delivery can continue unhindered.
“I trust that the minister will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and ensure that these criminal acts do not go unpunished.”
