- A municipal vehicle carrying the City’s anti-litter mascot, Bingo, was hijacked in Gugulethu, prompting calls for community action against crime.
- Authorities warn residents to be cautious of potential scams involving the stolen Bingo costume and urge anyone with information to report it.
- The incident highlights growing crime concerns in Gugulethu, with local leaders fearing negative impacts on development and investment.
Following the hijacking of a municipal vehicle with the City’s anti-litter mascot Bingo, the Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF) is appealing to residents to “reclaim” their streets and ensure that they squeeze space for criminals.
The vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, was reportedly hijacked at NY1 in Gugulethu on Thursday 27February.
The City’s mayco member for urban waste management, Grant Twigg said the incident occurred while the driver was on his way to pick up the team for their next school visit.
According to Twigg, the occupants were unharmed and the driver has been offered counselling. He added that the Bingo costume was taken with the vehicle and urged the residents to be aware of possible scams that may involve a fake Bingo. He stated that any Bingo bookings are through the City.
“This latest attack highlights the danger that Urban Waste Management staff and staff from other directorates face on a daily basis while trying to make a positive impact in the communities that need it most. If anyone has information on the incident (for instance if they see the Bingo costume being discarded) or the people who are targeting City vehicles for theft, we urge you to please report it to the nearest police station. Since the launch of the character, Bingo has made an invaluable contribution to environmental awareness in Cape Town. His reputation amongst the City’s young children is growing with each visit and his engagements never fail to generate excitement and inspire the audience to make a difference. It is unacceptable that even such a beloved character as Bingo is a target of crime,” he said.
Twigg said the incident will have some effect on the programme of activities with schools.
Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg confirmed that Gugulethu police registered a carjacking case for investigation. He said that, according to reports, the victim was standing at a red traffic light when he was approached by five suspects who pointed him with a firearm and hijacked the vehicle. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.
Vincent Domingo, GDF secretary, highlighted carjacking, murder, robberies as some of the common cases in the area.He urged the community to be vigilant and be the eyes and ears of the officers.
“I’m not aware of this incident (hijacking of the Bingo transport), but I know that crime is escalating in Gugulethu. And people are scared to speak out publicly for fear of losing their lives,” he said.
Domingo stated that the crime has a negative impact on the development in the area. He stated that the investors will be reluctant to come and invest in Gugulethu if people misbehave. He urged the law to take its course against the perpetrators.