"Continuous vandalism of our critical infrastructure impacts negatively on our service delivery. The high replacement costs, running into millions, could better be utilised elsewhere. In the last few weeks, the municipality has had no less than six instances where mainly our substations were targeted. The cost of replacing vandalised and stolen infrastructure, amount to over R150 million," the cash-strapped municipality's Head of Communications, Thabo Kessah, said.

He added that in a concerted effort to prevent this, the MAP local municipality has appointed Kill Crime Security Services to protect their substations and water pumping stations. The normal supply chain processes were followed and the company was one of many who responded to the request for quotes (RFQ) process.

He further elaborated that the municipality has also received a letter from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) confirming that despite the pending criminal case against the company and its directors, there are no legal reasons why the company cannot do business with the state and with MAP. National Treasury has also not flagged the company for blacklisting.

In conclusion, Kessah said there are no restrictions as per the current case that prevent MAP from appointing Kill Crime during this critical time, especially now that they are heading for the festive season.

OFM News/Tumelo Khotha