/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The lack of availability of the Dawid Kruiper municipal security services has again come under the spotlight following a cable theft incident in Dakota Way, in Upington, on the weekend.

After having received a call from a member of the public who observed cable thieves in action at around 4 am, I immediately tried to make contact with various members of the security unit – to no avail. I eventually called the fire brigade’s control room and was told that the security personnel were busy switching shifts and couldn’t attend to the matter.

After eventually managing to reach the manager of the security unit, security personnel went out to the scene. This was more than two hours after the incident was reported. SAPS arrived at around the same time.

By that time, the cable had already been cut.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is of the view that the cutting of the cable could have been prevented, and the culprits apprehended if the municipal security unit had only responded immediately.

Security is not a nine to five job. Designated security officials need to be available for emergencies on a 24/7 basis. Afterall, municipal services do not come to a halt on weekends or public holidays.

This is not the first time that something like this has occurred. The DA has previously raised the matter in Council, but to date no investigations were conducted nor were security officials held accountable for failing in their duties.

The situation is unacceptable. Even more so considering that the municipality has in-house security personnel and also pays for private security personnel.

The DA will request the Speaker to place the matter of municipal security on the agenda for the next Council sitting. Serious discussions are needed in respect of whether or not Dawid Kruiper is able to safeguard its assets. Even more so given the ongoing spate of cable theft in the province.

Issued by Flip Van Der Steen, Cllr - DA Whip, Dawid Kruiper Municipality