Famous anti-litter mascot, Bingo, hijacked in Cape Town
The City of Cape Town’s iconic anti-litter mascot, Bingo the bin, and his driver were hijacked recently on the way to a school visit.
Bingo and driver shaken up
It seems not even the City of Cape Town’s cute anti-litter mascot is safe from crime, after recent news revealed Bingo and his team driver were ambushed and hijacked in Gugulethu last week, 27 February 2025.
According to the City, the unfortunate incident occurred while the driver was on his way to pick up the team for the next school visit.
The Toyota Quantum transporting Bingo was stolen, along with Bingo’s bin costume. Since the costume was stolen, the City has asked residents to be aware of possible scams that may involve a fake Bingo.
Nobody was physically harmed during the attack, luckily, and the driver has been offered counselling.
Spate of attacks on city officials and workers
The City also said that Bingo’s incident was not the first of its kind.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, said that Bingo’s 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 most.
“If anyone has information on the incident (for instance if they see the Bingo costume being discarded) or the people who are targeting City vehicles for theft, we urge you to please report it to SAPS.” Alderman Twigg said.
“Since the launch of the character, Bingo has made an invaluable contribution to environmental awareness in Cape Town. His reputation amongst the City’s young children is growing with each visit and his engagements never fail to generate excitement and inspire the audience to make a difference. It is unacceptable that even such a beloved character as Bingo is a target of crime,” Alderman Twigg added.
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