Five suspects – who were part of the group of jobseekers who have been protesting outside Pikitup’s offices since Monday – were today, 6 September, arrested for the attempted murder of a Pikitup general manager.
Pikitup‘s services have been brought to halt for two weeks and the waste entity extended the suspension of its waste collection services to the Midrand depot (as well as Orange Farm) after disgruntled work seekers violently threatened employees and blocked the access gates
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The City’s Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba said, “It is alleged that, on Monday, the suspects assaulted the manager, dousing him with petrol and threatening to set him alight. Fortunately, the manager was able to escape.”
Mashaba added that the incident was reported to the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) Department; members of the Hawks, the South African Police Service and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
“Early today, the manager was able to positively identify the suspects, who are known to him, from protesters picketing outside Pikitup’s offices. The suspects were arrested on the scene and are being detained at the Hillbrow Police station. They are expected to appear before the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court tomorrow,” said Mashaba.
“I would like to thank our law enforcement agencies who jointly worked to apprehend the suspects.
“I pray that the authorities in our criminal justice system will ensure that the suspects meet the full might of the law. No one is above the law.”
Mashaba added that the City will continue to engage with our law enforcement authorities so as to provide all support needed to secure a conviction.
