Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Linda Louwrens and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Mbali Mnaba.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka has written to the municipality and relevant law enforcement agencies to intensify oversight, improve infrastructure protection, and coordinate urgent interventions to curb the escalating cable theft crisis that is bringing large parts of the municipality to a standstill.
We express grave concern about the escalating cable theft crisis, which is effectively bringing large parts of our municipality to a halt.
Residents and businesses are being left in the dark – literally and economically – as repeated incidents of stolen electrical infrastructure disrupt power supply, damage essential services, and undermine already fragile local economic activity.
This ongoing criminality is not only an inconvenience; it is a direct attack on the dignity, safety, and livelihoods of our communities.
Residents of the Ward 3 area (Môrewag, Noordhoek, Wespark) are literally without power daily due to cable theft. The grey electrical boxes are completely vandalised or even stolen.
Due to a lack of transport, Moqhaka Law Enforcement simply cannot keep up with securing the infrastructure, and Local Councillors have teamed up with the local Kroonstad Neighbourhood Watch for patrols and have also requested local security companies to assist with patrols.
The impact is far-reaching:
- Prolonged electricity outages affecting households and critical services.
- Increased costs for already struggling residents and businesses.
- Damage to municipal infrastructure, placing further strain on limited resources.
- Heightened safety risks, particularly in unlit areas.
The DA calls on the Moqhaka Local Municipality to urgently:
- Strengthen security and monitoring of key infrastructure.
- Improve coordination with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on syndicates.
- Implement rapid response measures to repair damaged infrastructure.
- Engage communities in reporting and prevention initiatives.
Communities cannot continue to suffer while criminal elements sabotage essential services without consequence. Immediate, decisive action is required, and I have already submitted a letter to the Council.
The DA remains committed to holding the municipality accountable and ensuring that residents of Moqhaka receive the reliable services they deserve.