Street lights worth R8m have disappeared from the newly built Vaal River City Interchange.
Crime S.APosted by admin on 2025-12-13 22:20:59 | Last Updated by admin on 2026-01-19 20:19:12
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VANDERBIJLPARK – Street lights worth a staggering R8m have disappeared from the newly built Vaal River City Interchange (K174/R42), barely months after installation.
The high-tech lighting system, installed to improve safety along one of the Vaal’s busiest corridors, has been ripped out before motorists even got used to the glow.
Following an inquiry made to the Department of Roads and Transport, it became evident that the department had removed some of the poles, and fewer lights remained.
In response to the media inquiry, departmental spokesperson Melitah Madiba confirmed the theft, revealing that the matter is now in the hands of the police.
“The department has since opened a case of theft and vandalism with SAPS, registered at the Vereeniging Police Station. The total cost for the installation of streetlights amounts to R8m,” she said.
Despite the staggering loss, the department insists it will not be deterred. Madiba said plans are already in motion to reinstall the stolen structures.
“Road luminance is one of the road safety measures installed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers; therefore, yes, the department is planning to reinstall the stolen streetlights,” she said.
Madiba added that alternative security measures are being examined to prevent another daylight robbery of public infrastructure.
“The department is currently looking at alternative methods of managing the protection of streetlights to deter theft and vandalism of road infrastructure,” she said.
Meanwhile, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has expressed deep disappointment and outrage at the deliberate destruction of public assets.
“This is an attack on the people of Gauteng. Every light pole destroyed and every signal cable stolen takes us a step backwards in our mission to build safer, more connected communities.
This reckless behaviour undermines service delivery, wastes public funds, and puts lives at risk. We cannot and will not tolerate it.”
The MEC has called on police, municipal law enforcement, and community policing forums to intensify efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We appeal to communities to stand with us in protecting these assets. Report suspicious activity, report vandalism, and refuse to allow criminal elements to hold our progress hostage. Working together, we can secure and sustain the infrastructure that serves us all,” she added.
Sedibeng District police spokesperson, Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela, said a case of tampering with Essential Infrastructure has been opened, and investigations are underway.
