Electricity infrastructure vandalism, including illegal connections, remains a challenge in all areas in the city, including Mamre and Atlantis. The City’s recent data recorded 230 incidents for the last quarter across the metro. The City needs the support of community members to end this scourge and to assist by reporting illegal activity near electricity infrastructure to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City.

Today, 20 February 2023, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen and officials in the City's Energy Directorate embarked on an Education and Awareness initiative at the Mamre Primary school, to put the spotlight on vandalism in the area.

'The education and awareness drive is one of a number of initiatives the City has in place to help curb vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure. The City's work is already yielding positive results in some areas in the metro and it is evident in Mamre and Atlantis. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Atlantis District recorded only seven incidents of vandalism out of the 230 incidents city-wide. This shows where we work with our communities, we can make a positive difference. Over this period, the cost to repair damaged infrastructure across the city was R2,5 million and the worst affected areas impacted by vandalism were the Mowbray and Gugulethu districts.

'We appeal to all communities to be vigilant and to be the custodians of electricity infrastructure by reporting to the SAPS and the City. Let's ACT, for together we can make a difference in our communities.

'The City will monitor all hotspots and will continue to pump resources into the fight against cable theft, vandalism and illegal connections,' said Councillor van Reenen.

Help your community

Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:

• SMS: 31220

• Email: power@capetown.gov.za

Anonymous tip-offs welcomed

Reward of R5 000 if tip offs lead to arrests, confiscation of stolen or illegal goods or handing in of illegal or stolen goods. Includes information about vandals, damaging electricity infrastructure or installing illegal connections.

Call: 0800 1100 77

Source: City Of Cape Town