Portfolio Committee calls for protection of state infrastructure

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety says it has, over time, noted with concern the continuous vandalism and theft of vital public infrastructure around the country and Gauteng in particular.

“The persistent incident increase in the theft of cables, electric poles, traffic lights, railway lines and the vandalism of state-owned hospitals, clinics, schools and police vehicles represent a concerning state of affairs in Gauteng,” said the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Thebe Khumalo.

Stolen in full view of police
“Furthermore, the committee notes the disturbing video on social media in which suspected criminals allegedly steal cables in broad daylight and in the presence of police officers.”
Khumalo said they have also noted that these attacks on the infrastructure occur in full view of citizens without them taking the appropriate action to report the incidents.

“This signals the freedom enjoyed by criminals in their foul pursuits, their gross disregard for the law and fellow citizens, and the impact of their actions on society.”

Economic sabotage
The committee said the attacks worsen the economic hardships facing South Africans daily.

“State infrastructure has a strategic role to play in the economic recovery and growth South Africa needs. Any damage or theft of infrastructure amounts to economic sabotage and the perpetrators should get the harshest sentence,” said Khumalo.

Concerted efforts
The committee calls on collaborative efforts by civil society, the business community, faith-based organisations and private security companies to join forces with law enforcement agencies and bring an end to this widespread economic sabotage.

“Suspected vandalism and theft of state infrastructure must immediately be reported to law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, businesses such as scrap metal collectors and smelters that buy stolen infrastructure from unregistered traders and thieves must be reported to curb market demand for stolen infrastructure.”

Answer to the problem
“The committee has noted a preliminary report on the disturbing video and is awaiting a detailed report on what exactly transpired during the incidents and what appropriate measures will be taken to address and curb the recurrence of such incidents.”
The committee said as part of its oversight responsibility, it will call the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety and Provincial Police Commissioner to appear before it and give a detailed account of the theft and vandalism of critical state infrastructure.
The departments are expected to present plans that will put an end to these criminal acts.

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