Infrastructure vandalism continues to plague Nelson Mandela Bay, with two separate incidents this week highlighting the growing threat to public facilities and the deadly consequences it can carry.

In KwaNobuhle, a suspect was fatally electrocuted at the corner of Matanzima Road and Mabandla Street while allegedly attempting to cut cables from a streetlight, dying on the scene in what community members describe as a botched vandalism attempt.

Separately, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has condemned the vandalism of the Babs Madlakane Hall, where the electricity supply was stripped, leaving the facility unavailable for use.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said that KwaNobuhle SAPS had opened an inquest docket following the death of a 24-year-old man in Matanzima Street, KwaNobuhle.

“It is alleged that on Wednesday, 3 June, at approximately 07:10, police received a complaint from Radio Control regarding an incident in front of a residence in Matanzima Street,” she said. “Upon arrival, members found the body of a 24-year-old man, identified as Oyintando Jantjies, lying against a streetlight pole. Exposed electrical wires were observed hanging from the pole.”

Janse Van Rensburg added that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident form part of an ongoing inquest investigation. “No further information is available at this stage.

“KwaNobuhle SAPS further appealed to community members to report damaged infrastructure, including exposed electrical wiring, vandalised streetlight poles and incidents of copper cable theft, to the relevant authorities without delay.”

She added that the theft of copper cables and other public infrastructure not only disrupts essential services such as electricity and street lighting but also creates dangerous conditions that place the lives of residents at risk.

“Exposed live wires can result in serious injuries or fatalities and have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of communities,” she said, while noting that their investigation continues.

The NMBM spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said, “Damage to public infrastructure negatively impacts service delivery and places an unnecessary strain on municipal resources and the community.”

The NMBM also confirmed that they became aware of the fatal vandalism incident in KwaNobuhle this morning, in which a person reportedly lost their life after allegedly coming into contact with live electrical infrastructure while attempting to interfere with a municipal streetlight installation and infrastructure.

“Municipal officials are liaising with the relevant law enforcement authorities and technical teams to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said. “As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the Municipality to speculate on the exact events that led to the fatality.”

Soyaya added that the Municipality extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. “While any loss of life is deeply regrettable, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe dangers associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure and engaging in acts of vandalism or cable theft,” he said. “Electrical installations carry high voltages and can cause serious injury or death within seconds.”

He noted that infrastructure vandalism and cable theft remain significant challenges across the country and have a direct impact on communities.

Beyond the financial burden placed on ratepayers, these criminal acts disrupt essential services, compromise public safety, leave neighbourhoods without adequate lighting, and divert limited municipal resources away from critical service delivery priorities.

He urged residents, particularly young people, to avoid any activity involving the theft, destruction, or tampering with public infrastructure. “The risks are substantial, the legal consequences are severe, and the damage caused affects entire communities,” he said.

Soyaya stated that residents who witness acts of vandalism, cable theft, or suspicious activity around municipal infrastructure are encouraged to report the matter immediately to the South African Police Service, Municipal Law Enforcement, Metro Police, or the Municipality’s customer care and fault reporting channels. “Timely reporting enables authorities to respond quickly and helps protect public assets,” he said.

He added that the Municipality continues to implement various measures to combat infrastructure-related crime, including increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies, enhanced monitoring of vulnerable infrastructure sites, public awareness initiatives, improved incident reporting systems, and ongoing assessments of technological solutions aimed at strengthening infrastructure security.

“Protecting municipal infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” he said. “The Municipality calls on all residents to work together with law enforcement and local authorities to safeguard community assets and ensure that public resources remain available for the benefit of all residents.”

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