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The DA is deeply concerned about the escalating crisis of cable theft and vandalism of energy infrastructure in Western Cape communities. The destructive behaviour not only threatens the security and stability of our electricity supply but also undermines the government’s efforts to create a thriving, inclusive, and resilient economy.

The DA calls on the SAPS to prioritise and implement robust, targeted strategies to combat these criminal activities. This must include improved policing, intelligence-led operations, and stricter penalties for those found guilty of such offenses.

Cable theft and infrastructure vandalism are more than mere criminal acts; they are a direct attack on the well-being of our residents. The consequences are far-reaching, from prolonged power outages and damaged infrastructure to the loss of jobs and slowed economic growth. It is estimated that cable theft and infrastructure vandalism in South Africa costs about R47 billion annually and that the economy loses about R130 million daily.

In addition, the Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town are taking a proactive stance to fight vandalism of energy infrastructure. In a concerted effort to curb this criminal activity, the City of Cape Town has committed R40 million towards combating cable theft and vandalism. This includes the deployment of specialised law enforcement units, increased surveillance, and the introduction of rapid response teams to protect critical energy installations.

Furthermore, the Western Cape Government is actively collaborating with private sector partners to introduce innovative solutions, such as tamper-resistant cables and remote monitoring systems.

We call upon all residents of the province to stand together against cable theft and infrastructure vandalism. It is only through our collective efforts that we can bring an end to this scourge and secure a reliable, sustainable energy future for generations to come.

Issued by Matlhodi Maseko - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Infrastructure