Losses of more than R3,5m due to vandalism

GEORGE NEWS - Over the past six to eight months, George Municipality has suffered losses of over R3,5m due to vandalism.

The ongoing vandalism, particularly cable theft, presents a significant challenge in more than one way.

Not only does the municipality suffer substantial financial losses, but residents experience service delivery disruptions, specifically causing prolonged electricity outages that severely impact various municipal departments and affect residents, schools and businesses.

The Electrotechnical Services Department has been the hardest hit, reporting 811 cable theft incidents from July to December 2023 alone, amounting to over R3,5m in losses.

This vandalism extends beyond cable theft, affecting infrastructure such as streetlight poles, kiosks, and low-voltage lines.

An electrical box that has been stripped of its wiring.

Various other incidents of vandalism have been reported across different departments.

Corporate Services reported damage to Lawaaikamp Hall's fence, costing approximately R80 000.
Parks and Recreation reported vandalism at Gwaiing beach, with an estimated cost of approximately R5 000.
Sports facilities, including stadiums in Thembalethu, Blanco, Rosemoor, Pacaltsdorp, and Maraiskamp, have also been targeted, resulting in damages and theft amounting to approximately R37 000.
Law Enforcement efforts have led to arrests in connection with cable theft and vandalism.

"Vandalism incidents continue to pose challenges and inconvenience to residents," reads a municipal statement released on Monday 25 March.

"We implore the citizens of George to assist in combating vandalism by promptly reporting incidents to the official channels of the George Municipality and the police. Vandalism is a criminal act that ultimately burdens ratepayers and deprives communities of essential services.

"The public is requested to please report people tampering, painting, breaking, or stealing municipal property with the SAPS and George Municipality Law Enforcement (044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening. If you can take pictures of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself, it will help a lot. Thank you in advance for helping us protect our infrastructure."

To incentivise cooperation, George Municipality offers a reward of R2 500 for information leading to the successful conviction of vandals in a court of law.

Informants may provide their details to relevant authorities, and their identities will be protected by the municipality.

To be eligible for the reward, please report to 0860 044 044.

Stealing a metal component from an electrical installation can cause residents to be without power for hours and could cause thousands of rands' damage.