The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas survived an attack from gunmen in Milnerton on Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to the alert VIP protection officers who quickly shot back and injured the one gunman on his hand and leg.
Quintas had gone to the area to oversee a road construction project that was taking place in the area. The shooting happened on Democracy Way in Phoenix. Quintas is relieved to have escaped the attack unscathed.
“I am extremely grateful this morning that we escaped this attack unharmed. This terrible experience made me realise how dangerous it has become to deliver services to our communities. In fact, I dare say we are now at a point where it has become nearly impossible to do our work without armed patrols. Criminals demand protection money from the City and contractors, and because we refuse to pay, we are under constant threat of being attacked, or our machinery and assets get stolen with many staff being exposed to violence in the course of carrying out their duties,” said Quintas.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident. “Preliminary information reveals that two unknown suspects, one armed with a firearm, approached the vehicle of a councillor who was escorted by VIP protectors from the City of Cape Town and opened fire on them.
“The protectors retaliated and returned fire, wounding the suspect in his upper body. Both suspects fled the scene on foot, but the injured one was apprehended shortly. The firearm used by the suspect was recovered and handed in as an exhibit,” said Pojie.
He said police are still investigating the incident. Pojie is urging anyone with information regarding the incident and the whereabouts of the second suspect, is requested to contact the Milnerton detectives or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.