An armed robbery at the Heidelberg Reservoir has disrupted the town’s water supply after robbers allegedly stole electrical power cables essential to the operation of the reservoir pumps on June 28.

According to information provided by Lesedi Local Municipality, security guards on duty at the reservoir were allegedly overpowered by a group of armed intruders during the incident.

They reportedly made off with both newly installed and existing electrical power cables before fleeing the scene.

The theft has resulted in water outages affecting several areas, including Overkruin, Berg en Dal, Bergsig, the Heidelberg Mall precinct, Jordaan Park and parts of Heidelberg Town.

Municipal technical teams were dispatched to the site to assess the damage and begin replacing the stolen infrastructure.

Restoration work is underway, but the municipality has not indicated when the water supply will be fully restored.

The incident highlights the ongoing impact of infrastructure-related crime on essential municipal services.

Theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure continue to place a significant financial burden on municipalities while disrupting daily life for residents, businesses and emergency services.

The robbery has been reported to the police and an investigation is underway.

Authorities are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in identifying or locating the suspects to contact their nearest SAPS station.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to use water sparingly where it remains available and to be patient while repair work continues.

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