SASOLBURG – Sasolburg residents are being warned to stay vigilant as criminals are targeting fire hydrants in what the municipality has described as a growing and alarming trend.
This comes after several street fire hydrants have already gone missing in the quiet town.
According to Metsimaholo Local Municipality (MLM) spokesperson Dr. Gino Alberts, the situation has reached a worrying level.
In a statement, MLM spokesperson, Dr. Gino Alberts, said: “Metsimaholo Local Municipality has issued a stern and urgent warning to all residents following a deeply concerning rise in criminal activity affecting critical public safety infrastructure.”
“It has come to the municipality’s attention that individuals are deliberately stealing fire hydrants across Sasolburg, an act that is not only unlawful but poses a direct and severe threat to the safety of our community. These incidents occur on a near-daily basis and are escalating at an alarming rate,” he said.
“Fire hydrants are essential, life-saving assets. Their removal or damage compromises the municipality’s ability to respond effectively to fire emergencies, placing lives, homes, and businesses at extreme risk,” Alberts added.
The municipality has come out guns blazing, condemning the acts and promising tough action against those responsible.
“This reckless behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated. The municipality condemns these criminal acts in the strongest possible terms. We want to make it unequivocally clear: those found responsible will face the full might of the law. There will be no leniency for individuals who endanger public safety for personal gain.”
Authorities are now urging the community to step up and help stop the sabotage.
Residents are being called on to report any suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure to the South African Police Service immediately.
“We call upon all residents to stand united against this threat. Community vigilance is crucial. Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or who witnesses suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure, is urged to report it immediately to the South African Police Services (SAPS). Protecting your community is a shared responsibility. Let us work together to safeguard the infrastructure that protects us all,” he said.
