City Power says it has reason to believe the vandalism of streetlights along main routes in Johannesburg, is intentional.
The power utility suspects these acts of sabotage might be coming from either those wanting to disrupt service delivery ahead of the G20 event in Johannesburg, or those who may stand to benefit financially from such disruptions.
Isaac Mangena, Spokesperson of City Power, said the latest incident happened this morning.
The executive team from the power utility, conducted a spot inspection along the M1 South, on Thursday, under the double-decker highway, and found all the streetlights operational.
But on Friday morning, several of those same lights were chopped down, with ABC cables hanging loose.
“In recent weeks we have observed a concerning pattern where newly repaired streetlights are routinely mowed down or destroyed within days, without any components stolen. This suggests that these are not typical cases of theft or vandalism, but intentional acts of sabotage” said Mangena.
Similar incidents have also occurred along the M2 East & West, Malibongwe and Joe Slovo.
Now law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify patrols and surveillance along highways, ahead of the global event (G20) in November.
“As City Power, we spend millions replacing and repairing these lights and it is extremely difficult for us as an entity to maintain and repair a fleet of over 300 000 lighting infrastructure across the city, and then have to provide patrol services. That’s why we are calling on law enforcement agencies, particularly now on the eve of the global event, to ensure that those seeking to undo progress we have made, are arrested and face the full might of the law” said Mangena.
Motorists who use these routes frequently, are also urged to always be on the lookout for suspicious activities and report them.
Important number: 011 490 7900.