The City of Cape Town has reported 805 theft and vandalism incidents targeting streetlights in the third quarter of 2025, with repair costs estimated at approximately R16 million.
Xanthea Limberg, Mayco member for energy, said the incidents have affected lighting and visibility across Cape Town neighbourhoods.
Limberg said in the various districts the City’s Area North reported 380 incidents, Area South reported 260 incidents, and Area East reported 165 incidents. The areas worst affected are Vanguard Estate recording 258 incidents and Mitchells Plain reporting 120 incidents during the third quarter of 2025.
The City spent approximately R62 million over the past financial year on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacements due to vandalism, theft and illegal connections, according to Limberg.
Damaged streetlights create areas with reduced visibility for pedestrians and motorists. The theft of copper components and damage to lighting infrastructure affects services residents use for security and navigation during evening hours.
City Response Strategy
The City has implemented a strategy involving multiple approaches. Security personnel are being deployed to monitor identified areas, whilst infrastructure upgrades focus on replacing copper components with alternatives that have lower street value.
The municipality is piloting infrastructure protection technologies designed to deter vandalism and theft.
The Protect Your Power Campaign encourages residents to report suspicious activities around electrical infrastructure. The City works with community members, the South African Police Service and other authorities to address infrastructure crime.
The City asks residents to report suspicious activities to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
