The TMPD and SAPS are set to investigate incidents of illegal cable stripping and burning in the Tweefontein Spruit greenbelt.

This follows mounting concerns from residents, the Garsfontein CPF and Ward 44 Councillor Samantha de la Rey.

They have warned that the greenbelt bordering the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve has become a hotspot for cable theft, illegal occupation and environmental destruction.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the city is aware of the illegal activity and that evidence has repeatedly been found during clean-up operations.

“Regular clean-up operations are conducted by the TMPD and the Environment and Agriculture Management Department, during which remnants of stripped and burnt cables were found on site,” Mashigo said.

“The matter was reported to the TMPD and SAPS for investigation and relevant law enforcement action.”

Mashigo said the city continues to enforce restricted access to the greenbelt, although the damaged perimeter fencing remains a challenge.

“The prescribed access hours to the Tweefontein Spruit greenbelt are clearly displayed on information boards located at the entrances to the area. All access points are locked after prescribed visiting hours. However, unauthorised individuals frequently gain access by damaging perimeter fences.”

He said damaged fencing is repaired as part of the city’s routine maintenance programme.

Addressing concerns over illegal occupation, Mashigo said the metro is aware that unauthorised individuals occasionally remain in the greenbelt outside the permitted visiting hours.

“Regular clean-up operations are undertaken to remove litter and other waste generated from these activities. Currently, there are no permanent structures that have been erected within the greenbelt area. Matters relating to illegal occupation and law enforcement will be escalated to the TMPD,” he said.

Mashigo added that the Environment and Agriculture Management Department continues to conduct regular clean-up operations to protect the ecological integrity of the greenbelt, while criminal matters are referred to law enforcement agencies.

De la Rey previously described the area as a ‘cable graveyard’, alleging that stolen municipal electrical cables are being openly stripped and burnt in broad daylight, while illegal occupants continue living in and around the greenbelt.

More than 2 000 residents from Faerie Glen and surrounding suburbs have signed a petition, launched in November 2025, calling on the metro to remove illegal squatters occupying sections of the Tweefontein Spruit near Manitoba Drive and Atterbury Road.

Residents say some occupants have broken through the reserve’s perimeter fence to gain access, while others have established informal shelters in and around the protected area.

De la Rey said the criminal activity has evolved beyond isolated incidents.

“The footage captured in the Tweefontein Spruit paints a disturbing picture of what has become a cable graveyard. This is no longer an isolated incident,” she said.

“It has become an established criminal operation where stolen municipal infrastructure is destroyed in broad daylight, contributing to ongoing cable theft, power outages and millions of rands in damages ultimately paid for by law-abiding residents through their rates and taxes,” she said.

She said repeated complaints from residents have not resulted in sufficient enforcement.

“Residents who pay some of the highest rates and property taxes in the city deserve better than watching criminals take control of public spaces while authorities fail to act.”

According to De la Rey, illegal occupation has also created significant health and environmental risks.

“The fires release toxic smoke into surrounding neighbourhoods, pollute the environment and increase the risk of runaway veld fires threatening nearby homes.”

She added that restricted access hours intended to protect the greenbelt are not being adequately enforced.

“These restrictions exist for the safety of both residents and the environment, yet they are not being enforced. TMPD must begin enforcing these access hours together with all applicable municipal by-laws relating to illegal occupation, illegal fires, environmental offences and criminal activity.”

De la Rey called on the metro and the TMPD to immediately remove illegal occupants at the spruit, and intensify operations against cable theft and the illegal stripping and burning of stolen cables. She said they should protect residents, public infrastructure and the environment from further harm.

“Every metre of cable burnt here represents another community left without services and another bill handed to the taxpayer. The rule of law cannot be optional. Residents deserve safe public spaces, protected infrastructure and a municipality that acts decisively against criminality,” she said.

Garsfontein CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said the CPF has been working closely with SAPS, TMPD, Nature Conservation, private security companies, Friends of the Tweefontein Spruit and the ward councillor to address illegal occupation in the greenbelt.

“We have conducted numerous joint operations with SAPS to identify and clear problem areas, with repeated removals of vagrants and illegal shelters. Despite these efforts, many individuals return shortly after being displaced, often breaking fencing to regain access,” Ruyter said.

He stressed that the challenge cannot be solved by one organisation alone.

“The Garsfontein CPF continues to work with and support the relevant stakeholders, including TMPD, City of Tshwane Nature Conservation, the ward councillor, Friends of the Tweefontein Spruit and other appropriate community and security stakeholders.”

Ruyter said ongoing monitoring, clean-up operations and co-ordinated enforcement remain essential.

“Any ongoing illegal activity within a greenbelt is a concern from both a safety and environmental perspective.

“Apart from the possible criminal activity itself, residents are understandably concerned about unlawful occupation, fires or cable burning, environmental pollution and people moving through areas where access may not be authorised.”

He acknowledged that sections of the reserve’s perimeter fence are regularly damaged.

Ruyter said infrastructure maintenance remains the metro’s and Nature Conservation’s responsibility, while community groups continue reporting defects and assisting with rehabilitation efforts.

Looking ahead, he said continued co-operation between all stakeholders will be key.

“We would like to see continued co-ordinated operations, improved monitoring of vulnerable areas, rapid repair of damaged infrastructure, ongoing clean-up and rehabilitation of the greenbelt, and appropriate enforcement where unlawful activity is identified.”

Mashigo encouraged residents to become involved in protecting the greenbelt by joining the Friends of Tweefontein Spruit and participating in registered Community Upliftment Programmes (CUPS) operating in Faerie Glen.

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