This comes after a scrap yard owner operating in Fordsburg was arrested for being in possession of 52 stolen manhole covers belonging to the roads agency, Joburg Water and Telkom at a replacement value of R60 000.
According to agency spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers the success was due to close co-operation between the roads agency, Metro police, police, Joburg Emergency Services, Joburg Environmental Health and Telkom which conducted scrap yard searches around Joburg.
“The suspect was found with manhole covers in the scrap yard and could not account or produce proof of a purchase receipt for the stolen assets,” said Peters-Scheepers.
“Furthermore, the scrapyard located in Fordsburg was operating without a permit.”
Peters-Scheepers added that the agency had created an Infrastructure Protection Unit responsible for ensuring a more effective response to vandalism and theft through closer institutional relationships with the metro police, police and other security organisations.
Peters-Scheepers advised scrap yard owners that if they were approached with stolen items, to report it to Metro police.
“Members of the community are also requested to engage in the City’s Active Citizenry initiative and report all acts of vandalism and theft,” she urged.
Agency managing director Skhumbuzo Macozoma said these were the type of crimes that impeded economic growth as a single manhole cover costs R1 100 to repair or replace.
“Criminals who steal or vandalise city property also threaten the safety of road users which in the extreme may even result in fatalities,” said Macozoma.
Anyone with information on activities of vandalism and theft is requested to contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the police.
