The Democratic Alliance is demanding a full account from Emthanjeni Municipal Manager, Disang Molaole, of all infrastructure theft and vandalism cases reported over the past year, including what action was taken, which cases remain under investigation, and which have been withdrawn or closed.
This follows extensive damage to the transformer at the Veritas substation this week, which has left parts of De Aar without electricity for days. During an oversight inspection, I observed significant damage to the substation, including the loss of transformer oil as a result of vandalism. An earth connection had also been cut. The incident is suspected to be linked to the illegal scrap-metal trade in De Aar.
This is not an isolated incident. Residents are increasingly bearing the cost of infrastructure theft and vandalism, including the theft of the pump at the subway and the stripping of municipal buildings and other essential infrastructure.
Infrastructure crime comes at a high cost to services, taxpayers and the economy. Every disruption to essential services damages economic activity and undermines the conditions needed to attract investment, support businesses and create jobs in De Aar.
The DA is particularly concerned about the apparent lack of follow-through by Emthanjeni Municipality once criminal cases are opened. Opening a case is not enough. While SAPS has a critical role in identifying and arresting perpetrators, the municipality must provide the necessary evidence, documentation and cooperation to ensure that cases can be properly investigated and prosecuted, and that those responsible are convicted where the evidence supports a conviction.
The DA has already proposed that whenever emergency procurement is required as a result of infrastructure-related crime, the relevant criminal case number must be presented by to Council. This will strengthen oversight of both the criminal investigation and the public money being spent to repair the damage. Regular reporting on the progress and outcome of these cases is equally important.
The DA will also continue calling on SAPS to take action against non-compliant scrap-metal dealers who provide a market for stolen infrastructure. Anyone knowingly buying stolen goods must face the might of the law.
De Aar cannot afford a cycle in which infrastructure is repeatedly destroyed, repaired at public expense and targeted again. We need criminals to be caught, cases to be properly prosecuted, and convictions where the evidence supports them.
The DA will continue fighting to protect De Aar’s infrastructure, essential services, the local economy and the jobs that depend on them.