Cape Town - A Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) officer has been suspended pending a full investigation into a brawl with a homeless man.
Carpenter Siya Bobo was allegedly attacked by the CCID officer in Buitengracht Street on Saturday.
Bobo, 31, works with artist Michael Elion on the Secret Love Project, which uplifts the homeless by allowing them to profit from selling heart-shaped stickers.
Bobo said homeless people in Hope and Buitengracht Streets were constantly harassed by CCID officials.
“The CCID officer attacked me after I refused to give him money. He took his yellow bib off and hit me with his baton. I punched him in the face. I went to make a complaint with the police,” Bobo said.
CCID manager Mo Hendricks said: “The CCID would like to categorically stress that it does not tolerate any behaviour outside the scope of law from any member of its security team, irrespective of what the circumstances are.
“The officer involved has thus been suspended pending a full investigation.”
Hendricks added that the officer involved in the incident has also opened a case of assault against Bobo.
“The matter is now also under SAPS investigation. We are not able to deliver any other comment at this stage,” he said.
Police have confirmed that both assault complaints are under investigation.
Bobo and Ramees Jansen have been providing for themselves and their families and loved ones by making and selling street furniture for more than two years.
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said law enforcement officials had previously warned the homeless carpenters that they face being arrested and hauled to court.
“The individuals in question make a huge mess and engage in significant dumping and littering.
“There are constant complaints about them from surrounding residents and institutions, including the school which complains about the fact that these men at times strip naked and bathe themselves in full view of primary school children,” he said.
Smith said the men will not be charged with trading, but for littering, dumping, erecting structures on a public space and thus obstructing the sidewalks.
Smith said: “If Elion really cared, he would assist with facilities off the street where the carpentry and resultant mess and disruptions did not come at the cost of the rest of the community.”
Elion responded: “I am actively trying to find space for these guys who work incredibly hard, day-in and day-out, and are trying their best to get off the street.
“But they cannot if law enforcement keeps confiscating all their tools, belongings and products.”
Cape Times