Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies, who has close to 42 years experience in policing, has been appointed to safeguard Tshwane’s critical infrastructure against unrelenting assaults.
Spies was recently appointed by Tshwane’s Multiparty Coalition Government to head up the Asset Protection Cluster.
The metro announced his appointment on March 12.
MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee said this is one more step in the right direction to give effect to the city administration’s strategic priority to safeguard its critical infrastructure against continuous assaults.
Spies began his service in January 1983 with the South African Police Force, later becoming a registered traffic officer in the Pretoria Traffic Department.
In April 1991, he joined the Benoni Traffic Department, which was later integrated into the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
“For far too long the spectre of lawlessness has loomed over our city, manifesting in the rampant theft and deliberate sabotage of municipal infrastructure,” said the MMC.
“These criminal acts not only threaten the essential services that our residents depend on, but also cripple economic growth and erode public trust in our institutions.
“This administration firmly believes that we cannot stand idly by while criminals wreak havoc, looting and dismantling the very foundation of our service delivery.”
He said energy losses have strongly increased from R470-million in 2022/23 to R800-million projected for 2024/25.
This staggering financial burden, directly attributable to widespread criminality, must be confronted head-on.
“Millions of rands worth of stolen and vandalised infrastructure have plunged communities into darkness, left businesses struggling for survival and put the quality of service delivery in jeopardy.”
He said in response to this escalating crisis, the city’s administration has allocated an additional R315-million to enhance security services. “The protection of public assets is not merely an option – it is an imperative that aligns with the administration’s strategic priorities, specifically priority 4: Enhancing city safety, security and emergency services.”
He said this significant investment will not only support the deployment of security personnel but will also introduce a comprehensive asset protection strategy, which includes the following:
– Advanced CCTV surveillance and ultra-modern motion detection systems to monitor and secure critical sites across Tshwane.
– Intelligence-led operations designed to dismantle the criminal networks profiting from this destruction.
– Swift and decisive enforcement actions to ensure that those who engage in criminal activities are fully held accountable by the law.
“Deputy Commissioner Spies brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned law enforcement leader, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
“His extensive experience in both Tshwane and Ekurhuleni has equipped him with the expertise and insights necessary to implement meaningful change.”
Coetzee said Spies was appointed on March 1 as the Deputy Chief of Police: Asset Protection and Security Services within the Tshwane Metro Police, with the rank of Deputy Municipal Police Commissioner. He now leads efforts to safeguard the city’s critical assets.
“Under his leadership, Tshwane will no longer be an easy target for organised crime or those who seek to exploit our governance systems.
“This administration has drawn a clear line in the sand: We refuse to permit the criminal capture of public infrastructure.”
He said those who engage in the targeted looting of the city will face the full force of the law, reinforcing their strategic priority 9 by providing a professional public service that drives accountability and transparency.
He added that with Spies at the helm, their commitment to reclaiming infrastructure has begun in earnest.
“Tshwane will not be held hostage, and this government will not be intimidated. We stand resolute, ready to protect our city.
“Together, we will prevail against the forces of criminality and restore the integrity of our public services.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
