Vandalism of the City of Cape Town’s electricity infrastructure remains a challenge in all areas across the metro with some areas such as Atlantis and Helderberg showing an increase according to the latest data. In April 2022, incidents of vandalism and theft continue to be recorded across the metro, including damage to streetlights and high-voltage over-head lines. The estimated damage to infrastructure, for April, will cost the City R2,4 million to repair and replace. Encouragingly, there is a downward trend in some metro areas.

The City has seen a downward trend in vandalism, theft and illegal connections incidents in some districts of the city. However, it remains a challenge. The City thanks residents for their ongoing support and for reporting incidents of vandalism in their communities to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City.

The City, through its enforcement agencies, and the Metal Theft Unit (MTU) in particular, continues to do everything possible within its mandate, to address theft and vandalism of infrastructure. In the first three months of this year (January to March), the MTU arrested 54 suspects, issued just over 2 000 fines, recovered hundreds of kilograms of infrastructure belonging to the City, Eskom, Telkom and other entities. In addition, they conducted 561 inspections at scrapyards, during which they issued 95 warning notices and closed 29 facilities. 

‘In April this year, the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department continued to record incidents of infrastructure vandalism across the city. Atlantis, including Mamre, and Helderberg regions have seen a slight increase in incidents. Our teams have seen a drop in incidents in the other hotspot areas such as Vanguard region. This is a positive trend and we thank residents for doing their part, being vigilant and for reporting these incidents to us. 

‘Community support has played a critical role in curbing these criminal acts and we urge residents to continue supporting the City by reporting any suspicious acts to the SAPS and City. We once again thank all communities for standing with us against vandalism and together we can bring an end to these illegal acts,’ said the City’s Mayoral Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

The South African Police Service remains the lead authority in crime prevention.

Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:

SMS: 31220 

Email:power@capetown.gov.za

Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:

Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that have happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies

Source: City Of Cape Town