City of Tshwane has strongly condemned the recent spate of criminal acts targeting municipal staff in various regions, labelling them as deplorable and a direct threat to service delivery.
The city said attacks are undermining the morale of staff and jeopardising public assets critical for day-to-day municipal functions.
In the most recent incident, on Friday afternoon, municipal employees stationed at the Block X Library in Jukulyn, Soshanguve, were held at gunpoint along with on-site security personnel.
“Criminals made off with their personal belongings, including mobile phones and money,” said Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
As a safety precaution and to support staff recovery, the library will be temporarily closed while the affected employees undergo trauma counselling.
“Another serious crime occurred on Friday, 6 June 2025, when a municipal crane truck operated by the parks section was hijacked in Ga-Rankuwa. The truck, a Nissan UD long base, with registration FM 43 BC GP, was forcefully taken by unknown assailants, leaving the driver and crew abandoned in a remote field,” said Mashigo.
The crew received assistance and has opened a case with the police.
Mashigo said the theft of the crane truck has dealt a significant blow to service delivery efforts, as the vehicle is essential in maintaining parks and infrastructure across the city.
“This incident highlights a worrying trend of public service tools being targeted, further straining municipal capacity to efficiently serve residents. The safety of employees and preservation of city assets remain the city’s priorities,” he said.
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Meanwhile, city manager Johann Mettler, has appealed to communities to take an active role in protecting municipal property by reporting suspicious behaviour and/or criminal activities against the city’s infrastructure.
“These shared physical resources are vital to public service and must be protected as common assets for the benefit of all. I condemn the attacks directed at the city’s personnel and vow that those responsible will be hunted down and brought to book”, Mettler said.
The city remains committed to enhancing security and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
The city appeals to the public for continued vigilance and cooperation.
“Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to come forward and assist law enforcement agencies in bringing those responsible to justice,” said Mettler.
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