"Vandalism of water infrastructure is amongst the worst offences being perpetrated by some criminal elements in our respective communities and this act has dire consequences as it causes interruption in water supply," it said in a statement.

The department said it had to date rolled out 1,991 water tanks to various municipalities throughout the province as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for people to wash their hands regularly with soap.

Free State head of water and sanitation Dr Tseliso Ntili said water tanks were especially critical given the spike in Covid-19 positive cases. He said the department had started using plastic taps instead of copper ones to try and deter theft, but these had also come under attack.

South Africa's Criminal Procedure Act says those found to have tempered, damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure should face severe penalties including imprisonment of up to 30 years. 

This includes those who collude with or assist others to temper with, damage or destroy essential infrastructure.

"Communities should remain forever vigilant and report any forms of vandalism to the local police as most criminal elements that commit these crimes are members of the very same community," the water and sanitation department said.

"All communities (should) take charge of the infrastructure provided to them and ensure its safety."

African News Agency