JRA combats theft of infrastructure
The first arrest occurred on January 14. Two suspects were arrested for stealing and vandalizing the JRA traffic signal Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) equipment on the corner of the M1 and Booysens off ramp.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) fight against vandalism and theft has reaped positive results since the beginning of the year.
Several people were arrested for being in possession of stolen JRA assets and vandalism. Over the past year, several community members raised concerns about missing manhole covers, storm water drain covers and other JRA assets.
Thieves are stealing just about any infrastructure containing metal to make a quick buck, often posing a danger to the public.
The first arrest occurred on January 14. Two suspects were arrested for stealing and vandalizing the JRA traffic signal Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) equipment on the corner of the M1 and Booysens off ramp. On February 9, two people were arrested for being in possession of seven manholes covers. The manhole covers were discovered by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after conducting a search of illegal shacks on the M2 West Crown Interchange.
On February 14, three suspects were arrested by the SAPS for stealing JRA paving bricks at the footways in Klipvalley Road between Moroka Nancefield and Khumalo Street.
The JRA managing director, Mr Skhumbuzo Macozoma said, “Despite our efforts to provide quality roads that are accessible, safe and liveable for the Johannesburg community, the rampant theft, vandalism and sabotage of road signage, guard rails, traffic lights and other road furniture is a drain on our budget and on the JRA teams who constantly have to replace and repair damaged and stolen infrastructure.”
He said these crimes threaten the safety of road users and results in fatalities. “This spate of infrastructure theft and vandalism is a direct sabotage and devaluation of the city’s infrastructure assets that may scare investors away from the city and seriously compromise the city’s economic growth potential. The citizens of the city are urged to stand up and help fight this threat to our common destiny,” said Mr Macozoma.
The agency created an Infrastructure Protection Unit to ensure a more effective response to vandalism and theft through closer relationships with the JMPD, SAPS and other security organisations.
People are urged to report vandalism and the theft of road infrastructure and the city’s furniture. Anyone with information can call the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) call centre on 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.
The agency also appealed to scrapyard owners not to purchase JRA or CoJ assets.
