THE City of Ekurhuleni has sent a stern warning to thugs who steal municipal infrastructure.
Municipal spokesman Zweli Dlamini said the city has lost millions due to cable theft and infrastructure damages.
Dlamini told Daily Sun on Thursday, 8 February, that the thugs damaged traffic and street lights and stole cables.
They also broke into the city's substations to steal panels and other equipment while also digging out cables in some areas.
He said izinyoka would face the music.
Dlamini said they hoped the sentencing of Mxolisi Hlatshwayo (29) would send a clear message that those who tamper with municipal infrastructure will be prosecuted.
Dlamini said Hlatshwayo was sentenced to eight years on 1 February by the Vosloorus Magistrates Court in Ekurhuleni. This was after being found guilty of tampering with essential municipal infrastructure after being caught red-handed in a mini substation.
He said in 2022, Hlatshwayo was caught by the city’s officials tampering with cables in a mini substation containing meters at Klipportje in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
"At the time, one of the meters had already been bridged and removed from the facility.
"When confronted about his actions, the man could not give a satisfactory response. This forced the municipal officials, who caught him red-handed, to report the matter to the Dawn Park police," said Dlamini.
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He said a case of tampering with essential electricity infrastructure was opened and Hlatshwayo was arrested.
Dlamini said the city hails the court's judgment as a very important milestone and achievement in energy revenue and essential infrastructure protection.
"Tampering with essential infrastructure is a major problem for the municipality. Some people bridge meters while others steal the cables and other electricity gear, leaving people in the dark for days.
“We also have a major problem of illegal connections, which are made possible by electricity thieves who have a know-how of electricity issues – putting innocent lives at risk in the process,” said Dlamini
He said the city appealed to members of the public to assist in the fight against thieves stealing municipal infrastructure.
Members of the public are urged to report any criminal activities they see on the city's essential electricity infrastructure by calling the call centre on 0860 543 000.
