TZANEEN – The DA in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has called for urgent intervention from law enforcement authorities, alleging that the ongoing theft of water meters in Tzaneen has escalated to the vandalism and theft of fire hydrants, resulting in water supply disruptions and damage to municipal infrastructure.

In a statement, DA Councillor Chrisma Bredenkamp said residents were increasingly affected by what the party described as organised criminal activity targeting water infrastructure across the town.

From copper meters to plastic meters to hydrants

The party says criminals initially focused on copper water meters for their scrap value but have since expanded their activities to include plastic meters and, more recently, fire hydrants.

“The targeting of hydrants marks a further and dangerous escalation of this organised criminal activity. It is no longer just about stolen meters; it is now affecting critical infrastructure that communities rely on for water supply and fire protection,” said Bredenkamp.

The DA claims the theft and vandalism of water infrastructure have resulted in:

• Significant water losses
• Damage to municipal and household connections
• Interruptions to water supply
• Increased risks in the event of fires

The party further alleged that residents are often left responsible for repairing damaged connections on their properties, despite the municipality generally replacing stolen meters.

Nightly water-shedding creates opportunities for criminals

Bredenkamp argued that Tzaneen’s nightly water-shedding programme creates opportunities for criminals to tamper with infrastructure under the cover of darkness.

“The ongoing water-shedding programme means entire areas are left without water during the night, creating ideal conditions for criminals to operate undetected. Residents wake up to damaged infrastructure, missing meters and, increasingly, stolen hydrants,” she said.

DA lodges complaints with police

The party says the GTM failed to report incidents of theft and vandalism to the police, prompting the party’s caucus to lodge complaints directly with police.

According to the DA, SAPS initially declined to open a docket following the complaint, but the matter was later escalated to a brigadier who reportedly committed to assigning a dedicated officer to deal with cases involving water meter and hydrant theft.

Residents urged to report incidents

Residents have also been urged to report all incidents of theft and vandalism and to insist on receiving case numbers.

The Herald asked the GTM for comment but has not yet received a response.