Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Luan Snyders
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Rustenburg condemns the ongoing criminal attacks on the city’s electrical infrastructure, which have once again left residents and businesses without power.
In less than two days, a second hotspot has been targeted by cable and minisub thieves (see photo here and video clip here); a clear indication of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) failure to act proactively and protect critical infrastructure.
The DA calls on SAPS Crime Intelligence to urgently intervene and ensure swift arrests, as CCTV footage, suspect vehicle descriptions, and a known address have already been shared with law enforcement. There is no excuse for continued inaction while criminals sabotage vital infrastructure with impunity.
These deliberate acts of vandalism not only cripple service delivery but also threaten local jobs, livelihoods, and investor confidence. Rustenburg’s economy cannot grow when power cuts, caused by crime, repeatedly shut down businesses and leave communities in darkness.
The DA demands immediate coordination between law enforcement, municipal security, and the community to protect key infrastructure and bring those responsible to justice. Residents deserve a government that safeguards essential services and acts decisively against organised crime, not one that allows it to thrive.