The Sol Plaatje Municipality is calling for heightened community vigilance as Kimberley faces increasing arson attacks on electrical pillar boxes.

Two more incidents occurred in Florianville, and one in De Beers, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 9 June.

“Shockingly, between last Tuesday and early this morning, a total of 10 arson attacks on pillar boxes were carried out between midnight and 04:00,” said Thabo Mothibi of the Communications Unit of the Sol Plaatje Municipality.

“In what appeared to be a coordinated series of arson attacks last Tuesday and Wednesday, a total of 7 pillar boxes were set alight for the theft of copper cable. Due to one of the incidents, residents from a few streets in Beaconsfield were without power for over 48 hours,” said Mothibi.

Public safety under threat

The impact of this devastating trend – a series of attacks on critical municipal electrical infrastructure – calls for community outrage, said Mothibi.

• Public safety and nearby property are at risk. Burnt boxes remain live. Stay clear of them.
• Repairs will take time and will cost the ratepayers. The replacement costs are substantial.
• Living without power in winter is beyond an inconvenience. It is perilous, especially for those who are sick and dependent on it.

Report suspicious activity

Please cooperate and report suspicious activity immediately to the South African Police Service on 10111.

“Tampering with electrical infrastructure is a criminal offence. Offenders will be prosecuted. We have had successful convictions resulting in 15-year sentences in our local courts,” Mothibi concluded.

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