Water meters across Brakpan vandalised
New crime trend or a once-off spree? Water meter vandals target multiple meters in one night.
Vandals targeted multiple water meters on the evening of September 30, suspected of stealing specific components.
Vandals damaged the meters, resulting in large amounts of water being wasted near Anzac Primary School, near the former Plastic City, outside the premises of Tweedy Park, on Elliot Road next to the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre, on Kerry Street, and on Gardiner Avenue.
On October 2, the Brakpan Herald approached Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer, and asked whether compliance checks were done at surrounding scrapyards for the suspected stolen components and whether there is a case and ongoing investigation.
The Herald was told feedback would be sent as it became available.
On October 5, a follow-up request was sent and the Herald was referred to Colonel Robert Makopo, Vispol commander for Brakpan SAPS, for further information.
Makopo was asked whether an investigation into the vandalism is underway and whether any suspects have been identified.
Makopo was approached again on October 8, after which a phone call was made to confirm which case was being enquired about, and again on October 12, with no response at the time of publication.
The City of Ekurhuleni was also approached for comment on the damaged water meters on October 2, and responded on October 9.
ALSO CHECK: What happens under a coalition government and how it affects communities
The city confirmed that it reported the vandalisation of the meters to the municipality, and a contractor repaired the leaking meters.
When asked what steps the city is taking to curb further vandalism and theft of meters, the city said it replaced the brass bolt vandals seek with a “no-value for scrap metal” bolt to stop further vandalism.
Damaged water meters where vandalism or theft is suspected can be reported to Brakpan SAPS on 011 744 4111.
You can also report incidents to the city via the MyCoE App, the CoE WhatsApp line on 060 667 7177, email at call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za, or by calling 011 999 3694.
