In response to the vandalism of essential municipal infrastructure, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has identified the act as a serious offence.
This comes after the CoE provided comment on concerns raised about the vandalism of municipal infrastructure.
In its July 10 edition, the NEWS reported on these concerns in the article Criminals target infrastructure.
In the article, Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said taps and water-related infrastructure belonging to the CoE were taken or vandalised.
The vandalism led to a large volume of water to leak out of the Isandovale reservoir and out of a tap at Edenvale Water Polo Club.
CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the city believes homeless people vandalised infrastructure on the property the reservoir is located on.
He said the city was not aware of the incident which occurred at the water polo club.
“Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the CoE.
“A common example of vandalism is the theft of metal manhole covers of the CoE’s sewer and stormwater networks.”
Gadebe said in most of these instances it is either homeless people or recyclers of steel and other waste products which remove the infrastructure.
In terms of the Criminal Matters, Amendment Act No 18 of 2015, damage or interference of essential infrastructures such as water and electricity installations is a serious offence.
“People who are arrested on suspicion of any crimes related to the damage of essential infrastructure can only be released on bail by a court.”
Gadebe said previous suspects were released on bail.
Although some municipal facilities are guarded, Gadebe said the reservoir was not guarded at the time the vandalism occurred.
In the hopes of preventing these crimes, CoE constantly reviews the security of its infrastructure to respond to the changing environment.
“The city has, therefore, conducted a security assessment following the reported incidents and the report will be analysed and the corrective measures will be implemented.”
