The construction of houses in Gugulethu suffered a devastating blow last week when the Luyolo construction site was abruptly shut down.
The closure, the second in less than six months, follows the shooting of four security officers on Thursday 10 November. The injured officers were rushed to the hospital where they are reportedly recovering.
In March, the site was closed for months following another shooting incident. The closures are delaying the progress and the distribution of houses, according to authorities.
Western Cape minister for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers condemned the incident.
“The Luyolo project site which is part of the broader Airport Precinct project has been beset by work stoppages for months now due to various extortion demands and shooting incidents,” stated Simmers.
Worked on the site commenced in September 2020 with many disruptions.
“The continued lawlessness and thuggery by these so-called construction mafias is causing unnecessary delays in the finalisation of this noteworthy project. I wish to extend my well wishes and speedy recovery to the brave officers who protected the project site. In addition, the colleagues who witnessed this horrific incident are currently receiving trauma counselling and through my department, we will continue to assist the injured officers and their families to overcome this unfortunate and deeply traumatic experience,” said Simmers.
The site in NY132 has been the subject of controversy since work began. The housing construction forms part of the broader Airport Precinct Infill Project (APIP).
The APIP is divided into five infill sites including Tambo Village, Gxagxa, New Rest and Lusaka, all located in and around Gugulethu. The project involves the construction of internal and bulk engineering services, where 729 housing opportunities will be created. These opportunities consist of 455 Breaking New Ground (BNG) and 274 high-density units for qualifying and deserving beneficiaries.
Ward 40 councillor Bongani Ngcombolo lambasted the incident but called for the law to take its course.
According to Ngcombolo, the site opened a few months ago after it was closed in March. “And now it is closing again for a similar incident,” he stated.
Ngcombolo said they felt sorry for the victims and wished them a speedy recovery.
He expressed concerns that similar incidents would derail development in the community and urged the police not to leave any stone unturned.
Gugulethu Police Station spokesperson Sgt Sindisiwe Ngqele confirmed the incident. She said two men, who were in a white double cab bakkie, just opened fire on security guards. Four of them were shot and injured and were taken to the hospital. She said an attempted murder case is opened and is under investigation.