At least three suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property in the City of uMhlathuze, following a joint operation with the SAPS and private security. The arrests come as a major success in the battle against infrastructure vandalism and cable theft in the region.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said that Richards Bay police arrested three suspects for possession of suspected stolen copper cables. The suspects, aged between 34 and 57, are expected to appear in court on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Infrastructure Vandalism on the Rise
In recent weeks, the Aquila substation in Richards Bay and the Grantham substation in Empangeni were vandalised, leading to power interruptions. All control circuit wiring and protection wiring were vandalised at the Grantham substation, while the Aquila substation was vandalised twice in two weeks. According to the South African Government, infrastructure vandalism undermines service delivery and has a significant impact on the economy.
UMhlathuze Municipality mayor Xolani Ngwezi said: “We applaud SAPS and all stakeholders involved for their swift action. Infrastructure vandalism undermines service delivery, and we remain committed to protecting municipal assets and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law.”
Efforts to Combat Vandalism
The municipality has urged residents to report suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure. In an effort to prevent further vandalism, the municipality has increased security measures at its substations. As noted by the Wikipedia page on cable theft, this form of crime is a significant problem worldwide.
The following are some of the key measures being taken to combat infrastructure vandalism in uMhlathuze:
- Increased security patrols at municipal substations
- Installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable sites
- Community engagement and awareness campaigns to report suspicious activity
The municipality remains committed to protecting its assets and ensuring that those responsible for vandalism are held accountable.
