Picture: Some items allegedly used during commission of crime/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 June 2026 – The police in the Greater Kimberley area said they have noted with concern the increase in incidents of damage to electrical boxes causing widespread power outages. They said addressing essential infrastructure related crimes remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the SAPS recognises the importance of essential infrastructure in providing basic services. Ehlers said the unacceptable occurrence of crimes relating to essential infrastructure, which poses a risk to inter alia, public safety, electricity supply, water, sanitation, communications and transportation is concerning.
“Tampering, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure, is a criminal offence. The following precautionary measure can be implemented to curb crimes relating to essential infrastructure. Install physical deterrents such as fences, impact resistant glass and strong locks and doors.
“Have bright security lights inside and outside the property. Clean up vandalism and remove or repair any damaged item as soon as possible. Install video surveillance and hire security services companies to provide security guards,” she said.
Ehlers further said the public should provide SAPS with information on illegal activities and the whereabouts of criminals. She added that the theft of ferrous and non-ferrous metal is an economic threat, which requires immediate intervention by all stakeholders concerned in an integrated and coherent manner.
“Reject and report any goods you suspect could have been stolen to the police and blow the whistle on acts of essential infrastructure theft, unscrupulous dealers, suspicious individuals, suspected stolen goods and cable theft to your nearest police station or anonymously contact SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Ehlers.
The Guardian 