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'Vandalism of City infrastructure is one of the most profound challenges we are faced with in Cape Town. Together with illegal connections, it leaves communities without power and the situation is being made worse by Eskom's intense load-shedding. The R40 million allocation is to support law enforcement deployment, enhance security at key points and increase monitoring. This does not include the millions of rand required to fix vandalised infrastructure.

'Incidents of vandalism and illegal connection definitely increase during periods of load-shedding at high stages and with the winter months ahead, and demand typically increasing, the Eskom supply problems and thus periods of time without power is expected to increase. It is likely that vandalism to City and community infrastructure will increase too. We call on our communities to be our eyes and ears on the ground and report any suspicious activity so that our safety and energy teams can act fast and decisively to fight the scourge,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

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.

Call: 0800 1100 77

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