As another cold front accompanied by rain is expected in the province on Thursday, humanitarian relief organisations which are still assisting residents either cut off from town or relocated following floods are faced with opportunistic criminals.
The Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) team was robbed of their vehicle and cellphones in Gqumashe Road, Browns Farm in Philippi.
“Shortly after the team had delivered water and hot meals to 798 people in the area, gunmen surrounded the team and held them at gunpoint, while the vehicle was stolen. Thankfully, no staff or volunteers were physically harmed during the incident.
“IRSA extends its heartfelt gratitude to SAPS for their swift action in retrieving the vehicle, which was found stripped in Nyanga, and for providing a law enforcement escort, which allowed the organisation to continue its vital work,” the organisation said.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said police registered a carjacking case for investigation.
“According to reports, the victim was handing out food when they were approached by unknown suspects who robbed them and fled the scene. The case docket was transferred to Nyanga SAPS for further investigation,” said Twigg.
More than 150 000 people have been impacted by the inclement weather with about 47 663 structures flooded or damaged.
About 37 areas across the metro have been impacted to a greater or lesser extent, including Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Mfuleni, Tafelsig and Vygieskraal and Ocean View.
Cederberg municipal manager Gerrit Matthyse said the town of Citrusdal also remains cut off after access roads were washed away.
“We currently have 125 people in the town hall and with the rain expected to fall again we are anticipating that more people will return as some have gone back to their homes.
“We are also still awaiting for intervention as some electricity poles have washed away, as well as the roads.
“Farms have also been badly affected. Gift of the Givers has been assisting with some relief.
“We still need more meals and are concerned about shortages of some essential goods,” he said.
Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has requested funding and support for the farming communities, stating this was the second major flood in the area in the last two years, as well as the third time in two years that the town has been completely cut off from the rest of the province.
“The CGA also requested that the citrus growers and farm workers of Citrusdal, who have been the hardest hit, be prioritised.
“The citrus industry is the very heart of the community and generates opportunities for employment and economic betterment throughout the area. Regarding immediate solutions, a private bridge on Mouton Citrus offers an option for reconnecting the town, but issues touching on liability, traffic management and possible infrastructure deterioration need to be addressed before this option can be actioned.”
Western Cape Agricultural Development deputy director general Darryl Jacobs said the relevant department was assessing infrastructure damage as part of an overall assessment of the impact of the flood.
“Our department is also busy assessing the agriculture impact, all of which will form part of the provincial submission to the minister of COGTA in relation to the disaster declaration.”
Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) spokesperson Charlotte Powell said their officials were prepared and on standby to address any incident.
Cape Times