Ethekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede has spoken out against a hostage situation that unfolded at the Durban Solid Waste offices last week Wednesday.

In a statement released this week the mayor said the municipality strongly forbids this kind of behaviour and that it would not tolerate an assault on its staff or anything that puts the lives of its residents in danger.

Adhering to policy timelines

According to Gumede two senior managers were held hostage on Wednesday 23 May 2018 by members of a business forum demanding payment.

“I want to express my deep concern and disappointment of the recent hostage situation that occurred at the Durban Solid Waste offices,”

“I want to highlight that the City followed due SCM processes in that the City was confirming and verifying work done which all contractors are aware prior to payment. The process was still within the 30 day payment period as per our policy,” she explained.

Plans to increase security

Gumede says eThekwini officials are working a plan that will increase security in all municipal offices and venues.

“We have noticed that there have been numerous incidents of people coming to threaten our officials and visitors. We are strengthening our security as part of fighting criminals” she added.

“I want to apologies to the residents of Umlazi for the disruption to their services which has now resumed with the deployment of permanent staff. As a caring city we will ensure that all steps are taken to protect workers. We will not allow this to occur again,” Gumede concluded.