City Power is deeply concerned about the rising incidents of vandalism and theft targeting street light components across the City of Joburg.
This criminal activity not only poses a significant threat to the functionality of essential infrastructure but also jeopardises the safety of the city’s residents.
The impact of these crimes extends beyond the immediate disruption of street lighting. Diminished visibility in affected areas raises safety concerns for residents and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents and compromising overall community well-being.
Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said City Power urgently appeals for increased collaboration with communities in safeguarding this vital infrastructure.
“We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around street lights to local authorities or City Power. By working together, we can protect our neighbourhoods and ensure a secure environment for everyone.
“With over 997 documented incidents of vandalism and theft from July 2023 to January 2024, City Power has only apprehended 75 suspects. Of these, 19 faced prosecution and conviction, resulting in direct imprisonment ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 15 years.
“Cumulative sentences from five to 41 years have been imposed for offences predominantly involving theft of copper cables, tampering with essential infrastructure, and damage to infrastructure.
“We believe more arrests can be made through community partnerships and we will start seeing the number of cases of theft and vandalism drop significantly.
“These incidents are widespread across the City of Johannesburg, but more notable in the Roodepoort, Randburg, Hursthill, Lenasia, and Reuven Service Delivery Centres (SDCs), with Malibongwe, Kibler Park, Golden highway and the M2 highway offramp among the hotspots,” he said.
The utility has also observed from the pattern of these destructive acts that the criminality amounts to sabotage, as most streetlights are mowed down, with nothing taken.
“While City Power continues to improve security measures to keep criminals away from damaging its infrastructure, the extensive nature of the network across the city makes effective policing challenging.
“That’s why we are reiterating the call for communities to help by being our eyes and ears.
“We condemn those involved in the destructive acts of vandalism and theft. City Power is committed to pursuing legal action to the fullest extent against those found guilty of compromising public safety and essential services.
The consequences of these crimes are severe, including criminal charges and prosecution.
“City Power emphasises the importance of community unity in facing these challenges.
“Together, we can thwart the efforts of those seeking to undermine the well-being of our neighbourhoods. Let us join forces to protect our city’s infrastructure and maintain safer communities,” noted Mangena.
