Stellenbosch Municipality has called on residents of La Motte near Franschhoek to safeguard municipal water infrastructure following the vandalising of a local pump station, which led to a disruption in water supply to parts of Langrug and Mooiwater at the weekend.
According to municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar the municipal pump station in La Motte was broken into and vandalised on Saturday evening (13 July) as well as in the early morning hours of Sunday (14 July).
“This affected water supply to Langrug and Mooiwater. The damage was extensive (mostly to electrical cables and wiring). Municipal teams conducted repairs throughout the day and water supply was fully restored by 21:00 the same day,” he explained.
“It should be noted that an alternative water supply was provided while the municipality conducted repairs.”
In a statement, Ward 1 councillor Reginald Pheiffer confirmed Franschhoek police had arrested a suspect on Sunday morning. “Our Law Enforcement deployed security services to the pump station to prevent vandalism after yesterday’s repair work. The security guard spotted the suspect and informed our control room, who contacted the police, who then responded swiftly. We are thankful for the arrest made.”
Grobbelaar stressed the vandalism of municipal infrastructure had serious legal repercussions. “Tampering with municipal water infrastructure is considered a serious offence under Section 82 of the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997). Following this incident security was stationed at the pump station. Due to the vigilance of the security officers one suspect was apprehended by police when attempting to break into another room on the premises,” Grobbelaar said.
“We strongly urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near municipal infrastructure promptly. Protecting our infrastructure is vital for maintaining the well-being of our community.”
Franchhoek police station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Rossouw confirmed the suspect is a 31-year-old local man who presumably tried to steal copper taps and electrical wiring. “These types of crimes are really hampering service rendered by the local municipality to communities that sometimes sit with sick people who need these services,” he said. “The courts see these criminal activities as serious and hands hefty sentences down to such individuals and/or groupings.”
The suspect has appeared in court.
Residents are urged to report suspicious-looking activity at their nearest police station or through the municipality’s “Let’s Fix It” channels.
