City of Cape Town clarifies arrest claims of Fish Hoek sand sculptor
· The South African
The City of Cape Town has dismissed reports that popular Fish Hoek sand sculptor Lanele Xaba was arrested by Law Enforcement officers while creating one of his artworks on Fish Hoek Beach earlier this month.
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The clarification comes after media reports claimed Xaba had been arrested after being approached by City officials while sculpting on the beach.
‘Refused requests to move’
According to the City, Law Enforcement officers were called to Fish Hoek Beach on 17 July after the beach manager requested assistance.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said work was taking place on the beach at the time and Xaba had refused requests to move.
“The beach manager also informed officers that there had been ad hoc complaints from members of the public that his sculpting causes sand to blow in the wind, creating a nuisance to others,” Smith said.
Law Enforcement officers spoke to Xaba and a member of the public who was supporting him before asking both men to accompany them to the beach manager’s office to discuss the matter.
Nothing to do with permits
Smith stressed that the incident had nothing to do with permits.
“The City would like to emphasise that this was not a permit issue. Officers did, however, explain to Mr Xaba and the member of the public how permits work,” he said.
According to the City, Xaba does not require a permit if he is busking. However, a permit is required if his sand sculptures are intended to remain on display for an extended period.
Smith said no fines were issued and Xaba was not arrested by Law Enforcement officers during the incident.
“The Law Enforcement officers did not issue any fines on the day, nor did they arrest Mr Xaba,” he said.
Earlier arrest
The City added that it had since established Xaba was taken into custody by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 26 June in connection with an unrelated matter and on a warrant of arrest.
Smith said SAPS would be best placed to comment on the circumstances surrounding that arrest.
The City’s statement seeks to dispel misinformation circulating online, maintaining that the interaction between Law Enforcement officers and Xaba on 17 July ended without any arrest or enforcement action.