Ward councillor held hostage by residents
Devon Steenkamp urged residents that going forward they must work together and not use mafia tactics to get information because that will not improve the situation..
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp was held hostage at the City Power’s Randburg Service Delivery Centre premises by frustrated Tirong Complex residents in Kya Sand on July 13.
The unhappy residents raised their concerns over outages in recent weeks and they believed that the ward councillor is not giving them updates. The residents were told that the technicians were on-site fixing the cables. They demanded to know the whereabouts of the technicians.
Steenkamp did not give out the information and that started the brawl as residents closed the gates and nobody was allowed in or out of the depot. They stood by the gates ensuring that councillor will not go out until he provided the location of the technicians.
Zacaria Matabane Kya Sand said the ward councillor gave them nothing concrete. “We want the services, they tell us that City Power is being sabotaged and cables are being stolen, what are they doing about it.”
“We want to hear a concrete plan, and accountability we are being told they are fixing and when we ask where they can’t give us the exact location. By closing the gates, we are sending a message and we are demanding attention.”
Steenkamp explained that he understands the frustrations of the residents, but he has numerous issues in his ward including water outages.
“Telling me I can’t leave the premises until I give up City Power technicians is not helping a situation. They need to trust City Power and their councillor if I tell them City Power is working on the matter they need to believe it.”
He added that he cannot give out the information because of their safety and because residents can distract the technicians from doing their work.
Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku DA caucus leader said they are deeply concerned about the service delivery failures, delays, and lack of communication that is endangering the lives of both ward councillors and residents across the city.
“This issue not only poses a significant threat to the lives of councillors but also to the well-being and safety of residents throughout the city.”
Steenkamp was ultimately rescued by private security.
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