Residents welcome arrest of man for possession of manhole covers
He said if authorities constantly tackle shady scrapyard dealers and arrest those who steal manhole covers, this will ease the pressure on the agency’s resources.
Local residents commended authorities recently, following the arrest of a man for the possession of 52 stolen manhole covers.
The man was found in possession of Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Joburg Water and Telkom manhole covers to the replacement value of R60 000.
He was arrested in Fordsburg on March 20 during a scrapyard visit conducted by the JRA, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), SAPS, Emergency Management Services, the city’s environmental health department and Telkom. The scrapyard was also operating without a permit.
Mr Navin Bachu, from the Western Kensington Residents’ Association (WKRA), was one of several residents who applauded authorities for taking action.
“This arrest and seizure of manhole covers shows what can be done if authorities work together and implement the bylaws and laws. If scrapyards for example, are constantly raided or checked, it will make it difficult for them to buy and sell stolen goods. If action like this is taken regularly, authorities will combat the crime. Although this is great news, it is also just a drop in the ocean. There are several manhole covers stolen on a daily basis and therefore authorities have to clamp down harder,” he said.
He said if authorities constantly tackle shady scrapyard dealers and arrest those who steal manhole covers, this will ease the pressure on the agency’s resources.
“At the moment, instead of focusing all their resources on potholes and blocked storm water drains for example, the JRA has to contend with people stealing its infrastructure. They are spreading their resources. I can understand people complaining about the lack of service from the JRA but we also have to consider that the Agency has to deal with thieves constantly stealing infrastructure,” said Mr Bachu.
The JRA’s managing director, Mr Skhumbuzo Macozoma said, “These crimes impede economic growth as a single manhole cover costs R1 100 to repair or replace. Criminals who steal or vandalise city property also threaten the safety of road users, which in the extreme, may even result in fatalities.”
The agency appeals to scrapyard owners to not purchase CoJ assets. Scrapyard ownersare urged to report people who try to sell them these items to the JMPD or SAPS. The community is also urged to report vandalism and theft. Vandalism and theft can be reported to 0860 562 874. Alternatively, report criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.
