Swimming pool plundered again

The community safety representative for Ward 14, Mr JC van der Merwe, was notified of the vandalism on Friday, 11 August. The criminals got into the partially renovated facility and stole electrical parts, toilets and washing basins, among other things.
“I could not believe it because we had asked the municipality to increase the security at the swimming pool so something like this would not happen,” says Van der Merwe.
The swimming pool is supposed to open for the new swimming season on 1 September. It was last open to the public in 2017.
This week’s vandalism again raises questions about the municipality’s security.
Merafong appointed a new security company from Pretoria, Wenzile Phaphama Security, in March but acknowledged the following month that the company had subcontracted to three other local companies. Meanwhile, the municipality also has security officers of its own.
It is unclear which company was guarding the swimming pool this week.
The Herald took the issues to the municipality on Tuesday.
“The whole area is without electricity, and there is no fence. Most buildings/facilities are empty; vacant buildings are usually targeted for vandalism. Previously, the municipality allocated two security guards per night and has recently increased security by allocating four. The electricity and fencing are still an issue and security risk. Despite these challenges, the facility management team is on the ground, trying to ensure completion. As soon as the handing over processes of these facilities have been finalised, they will open,” said the municipality’s communication officer, Ms Nomonde Mahube.