Cape Town - Three construction workers construction workers at a Delft housing project are recovering in hospital after they were shot at the site.
Reports said occupants of a white Toyota Tazz fired at them at about 3pm on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swaartbooi said the motive was “possibly extortion”.
The incident comes a week after the standing committee on human settlements called for action to stop the “Construction Mafia”.
During this briefing, provincial head of detectives Makhaya Mkabile said only 14 extortion-related crimes in the housing construction sector had been reported to the police in the past five years.
Of these, only five had been reported to police across City districts for the 2021/22 financial year.
The massive R500 million Acsa Symphony Way housing project will consist of 3 300 state-subsidised Breaking New Ground (BNG) units. Construction is expected to be completed towards the end of 2026.
During a visit to the site last month by human settlements mayoral committee member Malusi Booi, Delft CPF spokesperson Charles George warned of the increase in crimes caused by more people coming into the area, with inadequate government facilities.
George called for the installation of “21st-century technology” in the form of drones and CCTV cameras.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the circumstances of the shooting were under investigation.
Twigg said the unknown suspects fled the scene and were yet to be arrested. He said attempted murder cases were opened for investigation.
Although the City could not respond to the particulars of this specific incident, it condemned the extortion, attacks, and intimidation of staff and contractors while performing their duties.
The City said it would not allow criminals to hold communities and affordable housing projects hostage, and appealed to residents for help in reporting the perpetrators to the police.
It said it was exploring several ways to enhance on-site security at construction projects across the metro, and would not allow criminals to interfere with the progress of affordable housing projects.
“Contractors and staff have come under physical attack and have been seriously injured at times.
“While the City remains committed to providing services to all areas in the metro, the safety of members of staff and contractors remain of utmost consideration,” the City said in a statement.