The Tshwane Metro is exploring theft-resistant water meter options for Silverton and the surrounding areas following a worrying spike in water meter thefts.

The metro also warned that anyone caught tampering with or stealing a municipal water meter, including theft and malicious damage to essential service infrastructure, faces serious criminal charges.

“If convicted, offenders may face a fine or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the case and whether it involves organised criminal conduct,” said metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.

Residents in Silverton and Meyerspark have raised growing concerns after a surge in thefts, with reports suggesting that over 10 water meters were stolen within just one week.

These thefts not only disrupt the water supply but also result in thousands of litres of clean water being lost as broken pipes gush water into streets and drains.

Residents also complain that when a meter is stolen, they experience low water pressure or no water at all, which disrupts daily life.

Mashigo said the metro, through its Regional Operations and Water and Sanitation Department, is deeply concerned about the increase in water meter theft incidents across Silverton and neighbouring suburbs.

“Working closely with the TMPD, SAPS, and private security partners, the city will intensify its efforts to combat this criminal activity,” Mashigo said.

He said a series of targeted operations is set to be rolled out under a joint operational plan that includes increased patrol visibility, stop-and-search initiatives, and regular roadblocks in hotspot areas.

“These co-ordinated operations aim not only to deter but also to apprehend individuals or syndicates involved in the theft and illegal trade of municipal infrastructure such as water meters, cables, and manhole covers,” Mashigo explained.

He added that the collaboration between law enforcement and security entities enables faster incident response, better tracking of stolen items, and stronger case linkage when organised syndicates are suspected.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to the TMPD or SAPS.

“Every report strengthens enforcement efforts and helps protect critical service infrastructure essential to all communities,” he added.

Residents are advised to report thefts of or tampering with their own water meters by first visiting their nearest police station to open a case and obtain a case number.

Thereafter, they must contact the city on 012 358 9999 to report the stolen water meter for replacement.

According to Mashigo, residents are not required to bear replacement costs once a case number is provided. The turnaround time for stolen water meter service requests is 48 hours.

“To help prevent theft, residents are reminded to report any suspicious movement of pedestrians or vehicles near municipal infrastructure to law enforcement agencies.”

Mashigo said the city is experiencing high water losses due to unauthorised consumption throughout the city, including Silverton (illegal connections), which was sitting at 38 million litres per day in August.

“The Water and Sanitation and Energy and Electricity Business Units have partnered with TMPD and SAPS to curb illegal connections city-wide.

“In addition, the Water and Sanitation Business Unit audits all consumers, including the ones in Silverton who are billed zero or no water consumption.”

He said the city will try to roll out or utilise plastic water meters, which cannot be sold to scrapyard dealers to be recycled.

“Residents are urged not to tamper with the city’s water infrastructure and are advised to report any theft, vandalism and illegal connection to the city through any of the above-mentioned communication channels.

“The city will intensify its efforts and target the Silverton area to address this problem, including arranging engagement sessions with the residents.”

Customers can report on the website www.e-tshwane.co.za/eTshwane/lodge-query-details, by emailing customer care at customercare@tshwane.gov.za, or by calling 012 358 9999 or 080 111 1556 toll-free.

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