The Western Cape Government (WCG), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Cape Town have engaged in discussions to tackle extortion within the public transport sector. This as October marks transport month.
On Tuesday, the Provincial Minister for Mobility Isaac Sileku, Police Oversight and Community Safety Minister Anroux Marais and SAPS Cape Town District Commissioner, Major General Vincent Beaton, educated commuters and drivers at transport hubs across the City, about the nature of extortion in the public transport network, and encouraged residents to report such incidents to the police. This is as extortion continues to gain prominence in the country, with the province not being spared from such crimes.
MEC Marais says the WCG is working with the SAPS, LEAP officers, municipalities, and other stakeholders to act very firmly against extortionists.
“Extortion is a crime gaining in prominence nationally, and unfortunately the Western Cape has not been spared the scourge. We have been encouraged by the progress we have seen but there is still a long road ahead of us.”
The group also visited taxi ranks and bus stops and spoke to commuters about the importance of the various public transport modes, with the ministers and officials concluding the visit with a train ride to Cape Town.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says the development of an integrated public transport network will make transport affordable to all people.
“We understand that most people in marginalised areas depend entirely on existing transport modes to get to work, schools, places of worship and recreation. One of my key priorities is to facilitate the development of a transportation network which is cheaper, faster, and safer.”
Sileku added that the department decided to visit Bellville as three modes of transport – rail, minibus taxis, and buses – are all operating from the hub. According to the minister, an integrated and reliable transport network is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.
“This hub of transport is vital to the movement of people and goods across the City.”
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