City’s R1.4m civil claim to Gatvol Capetonian, EFF
PROTESTS: EFF unrest in Brackenfell
The City of Cape Town says it has launched a R1.4 million civil claim against activist group Gatvol Capetonian and the EFF for damages to public infrastructure during protest actions.
Mayor Dan Plato says the two groups are liable for the cost to repair the damage because they had organised the violent protests.
Plato says: “Destroying infrastructure is not an acceptable form of protest, nor is shutting down major routes and disrupting the lives of law abiding residents.
“In South Africa, we need to draw the line on the rule of law, that is why we are holding these groupings accountable for their actions to the tune of R1,4 million.”
He says summons were issued to Gatvol Capetonian on 29 March for damages of over R1.3m relating to a city-wide shutdown in August 2019.
The City also issued a Letter of Demand to the EFF for damage to infrastructure in Brackenfell on 20 November 2020, and for being in violation of agreed upon gathering conditions with Saps and the Western Cape High Court.
The EFF protested in Brackenfell for an alleged racism incident at Brackenfell High School. The party was given 21 days to pay R87 312.25 or face summons.
Gatvol Capetonian leader Fadiel Adams says this is just a smear campaign as he eyes victory in the upcoming by-elections in Delft.
“The City had two years to serve me, why now? There is a by-election coming and this is just a smear campaign.
“In fact, I have not seen these papers, I only saw media releases about them.”
EFF spokesperson Dr. Wandile Kasibe said they are consulting their lawyers.
In 2012, the Constitutional Court ruled that the union Satawu must pay R1.5m to the City of Cape Town for damages incurred during a protest.