Vandalism of City electricity infrastructure condemned

27 January 2022

There has been a spike in vandalism of the City of Cape Town’s electricity infrastructure in the Paarden Eiland area in recent months, impacting the reliability and security of the electricity supply to residents of the city. The Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, condemns this criminality and calls on residents to assist with ending this scourge.

Criminals have unlawfully accessed multiple substations in the Paarden Eiland area in recent months, causing substantial infrastructure damage at a significant cost to the City. The City is spending millions of rands each year to repair and replace vital electricity infrastructure as a result of theft and vandalism.

‘We absolutely condemn these acts and are committed to improving the security at our infrastructure. Patrols to the area will be increased and additional fencing installed at the affected substations. The incidences of vandalism have increased dramatically since the national Covid-19 lockdown started. Vandalism has a direct impact on law-abiding customers who are suffering supply loss as a result. These illegal actions directly impact service delivery to residents, and help is needed from residents across Cape Town to stop the scourge.

‘We appeal to residents to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities near electricity infrastructure to both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City so that we can bring an end to infrastructure theft and vandalism. The City does deploy security and monitor hotspot areas where possible but we rely on our communities to alert us and to help us protect community infrastructure,’ said Councillor van Reenen.

The SAPS 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 has 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.
 
 
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office