Mayor initiates review of regulations governing busking in the city

On behalf of the City of Cape Town I would like, as the Executive Mayor, to express my sincere regret at the handling of the deeply unfortunate incident involving Mr Lunga Goodman Nono earlier this week.

I have been monitoring developments related to this incident very closely so as to ensure that the necessary disciplinary and related action is taken to address the matter. In this regard I am confident that the City is taking appropriate action as swiftly as possible.

An investigation was launched immediately after the incident in question and has already led to the commencement of suspension proceedings against three law enforcement officers involved in the incident. Every effort will now be made to conclude the disciplinary process as quickly as procedure allows.

I have also instructed that a review of the laws and regulations governing busking be undertaken to ensure that we avoid similar incidents in future. We need to ensure that we maintain the necessary balance between upholding law and order and the right to artistic and other forms of expression at all times.

Finally, I would ask that in the aftermath of this incident, due cognisance be taken of the fact that this was an isolated incident which should not in the long-run be allowed to detract from the good work that the vast majority of staff members in City's Law Enforcement Department do, in often dangerous and challenging environments.

Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, July 10 2013 

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