Cape Town: Bingo and team driver hijacked on the way to school visit. In a series of latest attacks on City of Cape Town workers and officials, Bingo the anti-litter mascot and his team driver were ambushed and hijacked in Gugulethu on Thursday, Feb 27, 2025.
Reportedly, the incident occurred when the driver was on his way to pick up the team for the next school visit. The Toyota Quantum which was transporting Bingo got stolen. Luckily, nobody was harmed physically during the attack and the driver has been offered with the counselling.
The Bingo costume was taken with the vehicle, so residents should stay aware of possible scams that may involve a fake anti-litter mascot Bingo. City of Cape Town ensured that the Bingo bookings were made through them only.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Urban Waste Management – Alderman Grant Twigg said that since the launch of the character, Bingo made an invaluable contribution to environmental awareness in Cape Town. His reputation amongst the young children of the City of Cape Town is growing with each visit and his engagements never fail to generate excitement and inspire the audience to make a difference.
Twigg added that it is unacceptable that even such a beloved character as Bingo is a target of crime. The latest attack highlights the danger that Urban Waste Management staff and staff from other directorates face on a daily basis while trying to make a positive impact in the communities that need it the most.
He urged the residents that if anyone has information on the incident, for instance if they see the Bingo costume being discarded or the people who are targeting the city vehicles for theft, to please report about this to the SAPS.
Notably, the incident will have some effect on the programme of activities with schools that any affected parties will be informed directly. The City of Cape Town regrets any inconvenience and they thanked the residents for their understanding.