City calls for community action against vandalism

The City appeals to residents to help curb the increasing incidents of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, warning that these acts are seriously undermining service delivery and public safety. Recent incidents, including the theft of power cables in Kempton Park, left several areas such as Van Riebeeck Park and Birchleigh without electricity for days, disrupting both homes and businesses.

Other troubling acts of vandalism have included the destruction of more than 40 tombstones at Mooifontein Cemetery near Thembisa in 2023, an act the City described as deeply disrespectful to grieving families.

In Benoni, over 1,500 streetlight complaints have been received, with many cases linked to tampering and intentional damage, further compounding challenges in maintaining essential services.

The Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza stressed that addressing vandalism requires a collective effort. “We need residents to play an active role in protecting their communities,”.

 He said that every streetlight damaged, every cable stolen, is a blow to service delivery and to the quality of life of our citizens.”

Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the City’s 24-hour call centre at 0860 543 000 or to the nearest police station.

To counter these threats, the City is exploring additional security measures such as alarm systems, physical barriers, and vandal-resistant technology.

Mayor Xhakaza reinforced the City’s stance, stating that vandalism is not just a crime, but a direct attack on community development. “We cannot allow criminals to destroy what belongs to all of us,” he said.