City intensifies raids on scrapyards

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is calling on the community to help the authorities by providing information that will lead to the successful prosecution of people who vandalise and steal property to sell as scrap.

Mr Gabu Tugwana, from the CoJ, said there has been an increase in the damage and theft of the city’s infrastructure.

Damaged and stolen property includes manhole covers, storm water drains, traffic lights and fencing.

Motorway equipment such as guard rails, steel hand rails, kerb in-let tops on water drainage systems and grids have also been damaged. Thieves sell these stolen items to scrap yards.

The EXPRESS previously published an article in which a Bez Valley resident, Ms Stacey Haahjem, stated that thieves are hard at work in Second Street.

They have removed the poles and braces which are used to hold up the fence which separates the street from a sheer drop into a sluice.

Ms Haahjem said she was worried because it is now easy for a child, animal or careless adult to fall into the sluice, possibly to their death.

She urged authorities to close down illegal scrap metal businesses.

She was one of several residents who called on authorities to take stricter action against scrap metal dealers and people who steal metal.

Mr Tugwana said prior to the JMPD and JRA intensifying its raids, property belonging to them and other council departments was found and people were arrested. However, due to the lack of evidence, suspects were released.

Therefore, the city is encouraging the community to adopt-a-spot, take responsibility and report all problems.

Mr Tugwana said in the June 2012 to April 2013 period, a total of 577 incidents of vandalism and theft citywide, were recorded. Two years ago, an average of 20 incidents for the whole year occurred. This has increased to an average of 67 incidents per month.

“This exercise is seriously stretching the city’s resources and is negatively affecting service delivery in other areas of need. Claims against the JRA for theft and vandalism include motor vehicle damages from accidents related to uncovered manholes.

“The incidents also threaten the safety of road users and results in fatalities. It is for this reason that the city views these activities as criminal offences, given that these incidents are planned acts which causes malicious damage to infrastructure and affects the lives of innocent people,” said Mr Tugwana.

He said motorists who get stuck next to freeways during breakdowns are also frequently robbed of their belongings. Female motorists may even be exposed to possible rape or serious injury.

“The JRA is advising motorists who may experience breakdowns at motorways at night to take all the necessary precautions to prevent becoming a victim and to call for immediate help. The new trend is to steal overhead signs on motorways.

“The JRA appeals to scrap yard owners not to buy the JRA or the city’s assets. When approached with such items, scrapyard owners are encouraged to report this to the JMPD or the SAPS,” said Mr Tugwana.

Anyone with information on vandalism and theft can contact the CoJ’s call centre on 0860 562 874 or report criminal activity to the SAPS and the JMPD.