The incident occurred just days after the department successfully completed restoration work on the corridor between Sandton and Pretoria, a project that had been widely welcomed by communities for improving road safety, visibility, and traffic flow. However, large sections of the infrastructure were deliberately damaged, plunging parts of the route back into darkness.

Gauteng MEC for roads and transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, expressed deep frustration and disappointment at the 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.”

She called on police, municipal law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums to intensify their efforts to safeguard key infrastructure across the province. The resident must also take an active role in protecting shared assets and report any suspicious activity.

Report suspicious activity

“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.

The department reiterated its commitment to restoring the damaged infrastructure and ensuring that offenders face the full might of the law.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh