BOTHA, EAST,Elliott, Cook place Petition

The altercation with Pikitup:

​We, the law-abiding residents and community members of East, Elliott, Cook place and Botha Street, are petitioning for immediate, decisive legal action and the removal of violent individuals who have assaulted, threatened, and blocked essential municipal refuse staff (Pikitup) from performing their duties.

​On 26 June 2026, Pikitup essential workers were subjected to unacceptable acts of violence and intimidation in our area. This behavior has not only violated the human rights and physical safety of workers trying to earn an honest living, but it has directly caused a total shutdown of waste management services, creating an immediate public health hazard for the households in the area.

​Pikitup is a public service. Workers should never have to fear for their lives while collecting our refuse. While we respect constitutional rights to peaceful protest regarding employment, we categorically condemn criminality, trashing of streets, destruction of public property, and bodily assault.

​Therefore, we demand that the Ward Councilor of Ward 17

​Evict & Remove Lawbreakers: Formally trespass and ban identified violent blockaders from municipal depot perimeters, and take swift legal steps to remove illegal ringleaders inciting violence in our neighborhood.

​We stand in full solidarity with our municipal workers. We refuse to let our community be held hostage by a violent minority.