The City has offered a R100 000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attack against SAPS members and law enforcement staff during the unrest in Nyanga on Friday.
City mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said they had become aware of allegations that those linked to the violence in the transport sector on Friday had been collecting funds to contract the services of alleged hitmen to target uniformed officers.
Smith said an apparent assassination attempt was targeted night against two police officers on Friday, less than 24 hours after chaos broke out on the N2 on Friday morning following an enforcement operation in which 43 vehicles were impounded.
Two off-duty constables were injured in the shooting while they were on their way home.
“‘There is no need for the violence that follows our enforcement operations, as it is what we have been mandated to do and what the public expects. The City is obligated to enforce the law equally and cannot choose which laws should be upheld. Enforcement takes place throughout the city, and the law has to be applied equally to all.” said Smith.
Smith said the City would offer the reward up to R100 000with immediate effect.
“We will not tolerate any attack on our SAPS members or our enforcement staff.
“Information will be treated confidentially and can be offered by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said Khayelitsha police had opened a case of double attempted murder.
“The incident occured at about 20.30pm at the corners of Swartklip and Japhta K Masemola roads, Ikhwezi Park, Khayelitsha.
“The two officers, aged 29 and 30 ... were driving a marked police vehicle. When they were at the traffic lights their vehicle was shot at. Both members were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.”
Van Wyk said the assistance of the Khayelitsha residents was sought in identifying and locating the unknown suspects who attacked the two police officers.
“The 72-hour Activation Plan has been ordered for the arrest of the suspects. Detectives are hard at work searching for the perpetrators of this shooting incident.
“Anyone with information that could assist in expediting the investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111 or via MySAPSApp.”
In addition, the reward was extended for those with information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of any person involved in damaging City or related infrastructure, as linked to the unrest and violence which saw the closure of the Nyanga Library, and the Crossroads 1, Weltevreden Valley, Mzamomhle and Phumlani clinics.
A Golden Arrow bus and a SAPS vehicle were torched, as well as an unknown vehicle in Eisleben Road.