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On 4 April 2022, City Law Enforcement officers arrested the suspects at the corner of Highlands Drive and Weltevreden Parkway in Colorado Park. The suspects were caught red handed removing paving bricks. They were handed over to the Lentegeur South African Police Service, charged, and have since then appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court.

‘I am happy to hear that the perpetrators have been arrested and hope this sends a strong message to those who are bent on destroying our road infrastructure. This cannot go on unabated. We have eyes and ears on the ground and will do all we can to bring them to account for their actions. I also want to thank the City’s Law Enforcement for their swift action in this matter,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

The theft of road infrastructure is a growing trend and has been happening for some time now in certain communities. It includes the stealing of brick paving along roads, within or on sidewalks and median islands.

In many areas, the upgraded or new infrastructure includes brick paving on certain sections to try to beautify the area by replacing black tar with aesthetically pleasing material. Unfortunately, the brick paving is stolen to either re-sell or use on private property. This is illegal and is vandalism of road infrastructure.

‘I am beyond shocked by this rampant spree of vandalism and destruction of City property. It is our intention to provide the same level of service and infrastructure for all communities in Cape Town. Unfortunately, in some areas the paving is stolen, leaving the walkways and median islands open like deserts.

‘Every time the City incurs extra cost to replace stolen bricks, using funds that were intended for other projects. The communities suffer as well. The paving is intended to improve pedestrian safety, and to beautify areas so that residents can be proud of where they live.

‘Looking after the infrastructure is a shared responsibility between the City and residents. Thus, I appeal to residents to please report the theft and thieves to their local police station,’ said Councillor Quintas.

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