Polokwane Municipality has opened criminal cases following a wave of vandalism and theft targeting road traffic infrastructure across the city.
Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that three criminal cases have been registered with the Polokwane SAPS after several stop signs and traffic light poles were vandalised and stolen during the night.
According to the municipality, the incidents resulted in four stop signs being vandalised, one stop sign stolen, four traffic light poles vandalised and one traffic light pole stolen.
The municipality has strongly condemned what it described as brazen criminal acts, warning that the destruction of public infrastructure poses a serious threat to the safety of motorists, pedestrians and commuters.
“This is an attack on public safety, service delivery and the collective investment made by the people of Polokwane,” the municipality said in a statement. “The deliberate destruction and theft of road traffic infrastructure increase the risk of road crashes, injuries and loss of life.” said Selala
Selala said as the municipality, they are working closely with the South African Police Service to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities are confident that the perpetrators will soon be brought to book.
The three criminal cases relate to malicious damage to property, tampering with and damaging essential public infrastructure, and theft.
Selala said every rand spent replacing stolen or vandalised infrastructure is money that could have been used to improve service delivery and the quality of life of residents.
The municipality has appealed to members of the public to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or information that may help with the investigation. Residents can contact the Polokwane Municipality By-Law Enforcement Office or the SAPS Crime Stop hotline, with all information to be treated confidentially.
The municipality also warned scrap metal dealers and members of the public against buying or accepting suspected stolen municipal infrastructure, saying anyone found in possession of municipal property without lawful authority could face criminal prosecution.
“Municipal infrastructure belongs to every resident of Polokwane. Protecting it is a shared responsibility. The municipality will not relent in its efforts to protect municipal infrastructure and ensure that those who seek to undermine service delivery are brought to justice,” Selala concluded.
