Structural theft of steel on the Kruger Bridge in Standerton raises concerns
Lekwa Loca; Municipality appeals to residents to preserve important heritage sites.
Systematic theft and vandalism of the Kruger Bridge’s steel structure have raised concerns about dangerous safety hazards. The Kruger Bridge is one of Standerton’s historical features, still in use today by motorists and pedestrians.
It was constructed over the Vaal River with the oversight of William Stapleton Royce and opened by President Paul Kruger in 1891. The structure consists of two spans, each roughly 42 meters long, with a 3.6-meter roadway and 1.6-meter pathways on either side, and rests on stone piers.
It was the largest steel-span road bridge built by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) at the time and served as a model for later bridges in the region. The structural integrity is being vandalised, and concerns are that the bridge will collapse if the vandalism continues.
Railings are being cleanly cut and stolen by vandals. The railings serve as safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Kasselman Security Services is adamant about catching the criminals and has been monitoring the area with thermal drones in the hope of catching the thieves who are stealing steel infrastructure.
“The bridge is in daily use. Concerns are that the theft of the steel structure will eventually cause the bridge to collapse,” said Jandré Kasselman.
He said it is generally up to the municipality to open cases if criminals are caught damaging or stealing any municipal infrastructure. Kasselman Security are working closely with the Lekwa Local Municipality, law enforcement, and local police to bring the criminals to book.
“We encourage the public to get involved and report any crimes of vandalism or theft of municipal infrastructure,” said Kasselman.
Lekwa Local Municipality’s communications manager, Lubabalo Majenge, said that the municipality has noted with concern the vandalism of the Kruger Bridge.
“We would like to appeal to all residents to report any suspicious activities at the important sites that hold our dear heritage.
“We are aware of the vandalism and will be working with law enforcement agencies to strengthen law enforcement (both police and private), stakeholders and the broader community through the Community Safety Forum,” said Majenge.
He said no assessment has been conducted yet to determine whether there is any risk to the adjacent bridge on Nelson Mandela Drive.
