Residents living on Tefa Street in Khutsong South are facing a major increase in crime because their street lights are broken and the area is completely dark at night.

Resident Disebo Sethabane and her neighbours explain that criminals are targeting their homes.

“Our street is too dark at night, and gangsters are getting into houses,” said one of the neighbours, Thapelo Mohlahatsa. He also showed how criminals stole his family’s water meter. Another neighbour, who works at a mine in the area, lost a plasma TV and an air fryer. “He only discovered the break-in when he returned from work. The broken street lights are becoming a serious concern for the safety and security of our neighbourhood,” Sethabane lamented.

Despite many complaints, the municipality has not fixed the lights, and calls and WhatsApp messages to their ward councillor have gone unanswered.

“We struggle to get their attention. A councillor’s responsibility is to serve the community, listen to residents, and help address their problems,” Sethabane added.

Residents even tried buying a replacement light globe themselves, but nobody was willing to help install it.

People are living in fear and feeling let down by local leaders who fail to deliver basic services, especially as they reflect on leadership accountability ahead of upcoming elections.

“I honestly wonder whether our concerns matter to our leadership.

“As we approach the next elections, I hope residents will remember these experiences and make informed decisions based on service delivery and accountability, not just promises.”

When the Herald contacted the municipality marketing and communications manager, Temba Fezani, for comment, no feedback was received before publication.