Theft and vandalism of electricity, water, sanitation and other municipal infrastructure continue to disrupt essential services, placing an unnecessary financial burden on residents and diverting resources away from service delivery.

According to the Tshwane metro, community participation is an essential part of prevention efforts, alongside infrastructure improvements and law enforcement.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the impact of infrastructure theft and vandalism extends well beyond the value of stolen materials.

“These crimes disrupt electricity supply, leave streets poorly lit, compromise public safety and divert resources from service improvements.”

Mashigo said the city uses engagements with ward councillors and communities to raise awareness of the consequences of infrastructure theft and vandalism.

According to Mashigo, the financial impact extends beyond replacing stolen components.

“It includes emergency repairs, repeated visits to affected sites, additional network damage, temporary supply arrangements, materials, labour, equipment and the reconstruction of severely damaged infrastructure.”

Mashigo said most of the reported electricity incidents involve overhead and underground cables, distribution transformers, mini-substations, medium-voltage feeders and street lighting.

Operational teams have identified the following affected areas and patterns:

– Older overhead networks in Villieria, Gezina, Queenswood, Lynnwood, Silverton, Valhalla and parts of Centurion are targeted for the copper content and scrap value of their conductors.

– Overhead single-core conductors supplying residential properties and service cables supplying industrial areas are targeted in northern areas, including Fortsig, Booysens and Claremont.

Mashigo said street lighting cables, connections and lighting equipment are damaged or stolen, leaving roads and public spaces poorly lit.

“This also undermines public safety and may create conditions that enable other criminal activity.”

Hotspots and surveillance technology

He said the city’s approach combines infrastructure refurbishment, improved security, community reporting and targeted technology. The aim is to reduce vulnerabilities and the recurring cost of replacing stolen or damaged infrastructure.

“The city is considering installation, operating and maintenance costs to ensure that these interventions are effective, sustainable and provide value for money.”

He said the metro is assessing targeted security and anti-theft technologies through the Community Upliftment Precinct, including collaborative initiatives in the Rosslyn industrial area.

These include camera surveillance, intrusion detection systems and ground vibration sensors.

He said the metro also works with the Tshwane Metro police Department (TMPD) and SAPS in responding to reported theft and vandalism.

Residents can report electricity infrastructure theft, vandalism and suspicious activity to the TMPD on 012 358 7095 or 012 358 7096 or through SAPS reporting channels, but should avoid confronting suspected perpetrators.

He said residents concerned about their safety should raise confidentiality and protection requirements directly with the law enforcement agency receiving the report so that the available arrangements can be explained.

“The city continues to support investigations and legal proceedings where required by providing technical information and testimony to assist in holding those responsible accountable.”

The metro could not confirm the number of incidents reported in the last financial year as well as the amount it cost the metro to repair or replace as a financial report is still being consolidated.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel