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CHDM MAKES BREAKTHROUGH ON VANDALISM

CHDM MAKES BREAKTHROUGH ON VANDALISM OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN EZIBELENI
Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has made significant breakthrough in addressing municipal infrastructure vandalism following recent arrests in Komani. The arrests are linked to disruptions in water service provision and the vandalism of newly installed water tanks in Ezibeleni. These tanks were part of CHDM’s intervention to supplement water supply in the area, which is currently experiencing shortages due to Bonkolo Dam’s water levels remaining below the abstraction point.
Four suspects were arrested between last week Friday and Tuesday, 04 February 2024, after the district municipality was alerted of the destructive acts of tampering with essential municipal infrastructure.
It is alleged that the four were disrupting water carts denying access to municipal drivers who were assigned to distribute water in the Unathi Mkefa area.
When the South African Police Services (SAPS) arrived at the scene, three water tanks were already forcibly removed and rolled out of safe premises while two were damaged.
The district municipality commends the collaborative efforts and swift action by our community and SAPS as there are countless incidents of theft and vandalism reported within the district with no information leading to any arrests. Vandalism is not a new phenomenon in the area as the Ezibeleni pump station has also been a target of vandals with various incidents reported.
We are encouraged by the recent arrests and unity in action to combat acts of theft and vandalism in our district as these criminal acts are an inconvenience to customers and lead to prolonged service disruptions. The fight against theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure requires all hands-on deck as its dire consequences affect both the community and the municipality.
We applaud and continue to urge our residents to promptly report any incidents of theft and vandalism, including any suspicious activities, to our customer call on 0800 100 100 or nearby police stations