The speed camera in Meyer Street that was spray painted red to obscure the lens, is back in use.

The camera was scrubbed just enough to allow the camera to snap pictures of speedsters.

A red ring remains around the lens, bearing testimony to yesterday’s vandalism.

The Middelburg Observer story about the vandalised speed camera went viral, with residents saying whoever did them the favour, definitely ‘deserves a Bell’s’.

The municipality aren’t laughing along with residents.

Spokeswoman Lerato Kgomo warned that the vandalism falls into the category of tampering with municipal infrastructure, for which courts throughout the country are handing down hefty prison sentences in order to combat the scourge of infrastructure thefts, ranging from electrical cables to water meters, and even railway tracks.

Many residents have already received hefty fines for speeding, thanks to the cameras.

One resident said the cameras take photos of both coming and going vehicles, after she received a picture of her vehicle from behind.

The cameras’ panoramic scope takes pictures of speedsters in both lanes.

Fines settled immediately are all discounted, with some up to 50%.

Though the cameras are contracted, the contract stipulates the municipality is the proxy owner for the duration of the contract.