Dannhauser residents have been left angry and disappointed after thieves stole the pump from the South Park community borehole just days before Christmas.

The borehole, which cost R85,000, was funded through donations raised by the Helping Hands organisation, former Dannhauser residents and the Sabri Ashrafi Relief Fund. It was officially opened by Mayor Bongani Hadebe in May 2024.

Borehole meant to ease water cuts

The project was launched after the community endured years of prolonged water outages, with the borehole intended to provide a reliable alternative water source when the municipal supply failed.

“The idea was to ensure that when taps run dry, residents can still collect water from the tanks using buckets,” said Helping Hands representative Farzana Dookie. “At the very least, people could use the water for washing and bathing. It was encouraging to see so many former Dannhauser residents supporting the initiative.”

However, two days before Christmas, thieves allegedly cut through the security fencing around the borehole and made off with the pump, rendering the system unusable.

A case has been opened at the local police station, but Dookie said progress has stalled after the investigating officer went on leave.

“We have good information about who is responsible for this theft and need to follow up to ensure those involved are brought to justice,” she said.

“I am deeply upset, having invested a great deal of time and effort into this project. I remain committed to finding the perpetrators and urge the community to work together to resolve this matter.”

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