Cameras help foil vandalism at Rayton substation
Footage of criminals breaking in to steal from the substation resulted in arrest when local community response teams sprang into action.
A coordinated effort between community members and surveillance cameras, resulted in the prevention of vandalism and theft at the Rayton substation in Region 5 on Wednesday, April 10.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, in the early hours of Wednesday criminals were captured on camera breaking in to steal from the facility.
He said security was however able to respond swiftly to stop the criminals in their tracks before they could cause significant damage or loss to the substation.
“The partnership with communities is bearing fruit as this would not have been possible.
“Credit should go to the community that initiated the installation of cameras,” said Mashigo.
He said the incident highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives to protect local infrastructure.
Mashigo said that the metro now calls upon other communities to follow suit and work with law enforcement to safeguard their own infrastructure, which was crucial to ensuring reliable access to basic services.
“The metro implores other areas within the metropolitan jurisdiction to do likewise and safeguard infrastructure meant to provide basic services to them,” he said.
Mashigo applauded the Cullinan CPF, neighbourhood watch, security and law enforcement that reacted promptly before more damage was caused to and destruction of the municipal infrastructure at the substation.
He urged the public to contact the SAPS or Tshwane metro police on 012 358 7095/6 when they spot suspicious behaviour around city infrastructure.
“Cable theft and vandalism of city infrastructure are a major financial burden on the city’s already stretched budget and jeopardise the functionality of essential infrastructure that is key to service delivery to our communities,” said Mashigo.
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