Belhar firefighting crew attacked along Bishop Lavis Drive

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has condemned the latest attack on firefighting crews in the City.

The Belhar firefighting crew escaped injury on Thursday after their vehicle was stoned while returning from a vegetation fire in Connaught Estate.

According to the City, the incident occurred at approximately 22:30 as the fire engine crew was travelling along 35th Street between Bishop Lavis Drive and Robert Sobukwe Road.

The driver reportedly saw someone standing along the road near Malawi Camp before a brick was hurled at the vehicle, shattering the windscreen.

Smith says fortunately, none of the crew members were hurt. The incident was reported to Bishop Lavis SAPS.

The City has condemned the attack, calling it another senseless act of violence against emergency service personnel.

“We are thankful that the crew was not physically harmed, but this could have ended very differently,” added Smith

Smith has urged anyone with information to come forward so the perpetrator can face prosecution.

“Someone, somewhere knows the person responsible for this incident and I urge them to please step forward so that the perpetrator can face prosecution.”

Due to the attack, the fire engine will reportedly be out of commission for repairs, right before the metro heads into one of the busiest periods of the year.

Residents are encouraged to report any information anonymously through the City’s 24-hour reward tip-off line at 0800 110 077.

“There is no excuse for this type of behaviour, so if you know something, please report it to our reward tip off line.”