Motorists and residents of Table View and its surrounding areas, on Wednesday 13 August, were warned of possible unrest in Dunoon and advised to exercise caution.
The Table View Community Policing Forum (CPF) confirmed it had received verified information about a planned operation by authorities to disconnect illegal electricity connections in the area, set to begin from 09:30.
“Historically, similar operations have led to community unrest,” the CPF said in a statement. “While no protest action has been confirmed there is a potential risk of traffic disruptions, vandalism or opportunistic crime.”
According to the CPF the following risks have been identified:
- Disruption to traffic in Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road.
- Vandalism to infrastructure or public transport, particularly buses.
- Smash-and-grab incidents during any traffic congestion.
Safety measures
The CPF stressed the importance of situational awareness and proactive safety measures. “We urge motorists and residents to exercise caution when travelling near Dunoon tomorrow, remain alert and consider alternative routes if possible,” the statement continued.
To mitigate risks there will be a strong presence of police and law-enforcement officers in the area. Authorities will be on standby to manage traffic and respond to any incidents.
Community members are also urged to report any suspicious activity directly to the police or the Table View CPF. “These kinds of operations are aimed at protecting infrastructure and ensuring lawful electricity usage, but they can sometimes trigger frustration within communities. The safety of our residents and road users is our top priority. Please remain vigilant and help us by reporting issues quickly.”
Ongoing issue
The disconnection of illegal electricity connections has been an ongoing challenge in Dunoon and other parts of Cape Town. Apart from being unsafe and prone to causing electrical fires, illegal connections put a strain on the grid, leading to frequent outages for paying customers.
Residents are encouraged to follow official CPF channels for real-time updates throughout the day. Emergency numbers are:
- Table View Police Station: 021 521 3300;
- Table View CPF Control Room: 086 000 2669;
- Crime Stop: 08600 10111.
