Johannesburg Mayor Dr. Mpho Phalatse said Tuesday that she has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to help tackle deadly attacks on security officials charged with protecting the City’s infrastructure.
Last week two security officers were shot dead and another is in ICU after being shot in the head.
“We cannot do this on our own and require inputs and resources from all spheres of government,” said Dr. Phalatse.
“I have therefore appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the National Prosecuting Authority and Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela to avail the highest level of resources to investigate and prosecute what is becoming a trend aimed at sabotaging Johannesburg’s already fragile infrastructure.”
Recounting the attacks, the mayor said two City Power security personnel exchanged gunfire with assailants in Kya Sand, north of Johannesburg.
“One of the security personnel was rushed to the hospital and is now in ICU after sustaining a headshot wound,” said Dr. Phalatse.
“Barely 24-hours earlier on Thursday night, two City Power security personnel were gunned down and robbed of their firearms on Carr Street, Newtown.
“This after ferrying burnt-out copper cables to a nearby depot from the scene of the underground fire in the CBD.”
The mayor said there was another incident on Wednesday evening, where security personnel stationed at Cydna Substation, north of Johannesburg, were accosted by an armed gang with high-calibre rifles.
“They were both made to lie down on the floor as the gang ransacked the substation and stole several hundred kilograms of underground cabling, they ripped from the ground using unmarked 4×4 vehicles,” said Dr. Phalaste.
“In my interactions with local authorities across the country, it has become clear that these are not incidents isolated to Johannesburg, and a coordinated plan, led by national government, is needed to prevent these crimes and to protect critical infrastructure.
“I will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that these criminals are not left to run amok in the country’s economic capital.”
She said the deliberate destruction of economic infrastructure must be treated with the urgency and resources it deserves.
“On behalf of the City and the multi-party government, I wish to convey my condolences to the families of the fallen security officers,” said the mayor.
“Their deaths must not be in vain.”
