City gets interdict against extortionists

THE City of Cape Town has welcomed the decision by the Western Cape High Court to reinstate an interim interdict against extortionists and others who, it claims, are hellbent on derailing its MyCiTi construction project along Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi. 

The interdict is effective until April 21, 2026, when the matter will be argued before the court. 

Any person threatening officials and contractors at the site or attempting to disrupt or delay the work will be arrested. 

The City obtained an interim order against the extortionists on June 3, 2025, after City officials and the contractor’s staff received death threats and were verbally intimidated.

Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the order was reinstituted after the respondents, among which were the Philippi Business Forum and Crossroads Business Forum, failed to present their answering affidavits to the Western Cape High Court on why the order should not be made permanent.

Quintas said: “I welcome this decision, and am relieved that the officials and contractor can continue their work at this site. 

“The City will not give in to attempts by any individual or group to extort business and work opportunities, or to hijack our projects. 

“There are lawful and transparent processes available to local businesses and residents from the affected wards to apply for the available opportunities that form part of this construction project.” 

He said those involved in the intimidation, death threats, and other disruptive tactics are well aware of the processes as they have been briefed at numerous public information days and during other engagements. 

Quintas added: “There is only one way to benefit from the available opportunities at any City project – and that is by following the legal and transparent route. This route ensures equal access to all. 

“We will not deviate from it...”

He said over the past weeks, self-proclaimed ‘activists’ within and other affiliated entities have engaged in intimidation, threats, and blatant misinformation campaigns in their efforts to dictate how and to whom employment opportunities are awarded.