FOLLOWING numerous cases where eThekwini Municipality’s vehicles were stolen or hijacked, including in Isipingo and Folweni, Mayor Cyril Xaba has directed the administration to develop a comprehensive plan, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to address the issue.

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Xaba has also requested a report detailing the number of municipal vehicles stolen and hijacked over the past three years, as well as incidents of intimidation and attacks on employees. He said this report will be tabled at the executive committee meeting and will provide practical solutions to the challenge.

“We are concerned about this challenge because it instils fear among employees who are at the forefront of service delivery, adversely affecting the provision of essential services to the community,” said Xaba.

In some instances, employees have been left with serious injuries. To address the issue, it has been decided that metro police officers will increase visibility in identified hotspots, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. Xaba emphasised the need for a strong partnership between the city and the community, particularly crime-fighting structures, to effectively tackle the problem.

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