eThekwini Municipality tackles rampant infrastructure theft and crime concerns

The theft of municipal infrastructure, hijacked buildings, illegal trading, and drug-related crime will be deliberated by the eThekwini Municipality’s Security and Emergency Services Committee. 

This is after two eThekwini political parties, ActionSA and the Active Citizens Coalition (ACC), put forward motions. 

ACC leader, Imtiaz Syed, called for an investigation of the theft of municipal infrastructure, covering the following elements:

• The implementation strategy of a specialised unit to investigate and deal with such theft.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SAPS and metro police to deal with the theft reported.
•  Dedicated WhatsApp reporting line for immediate action and 24-hour response.
•  Identification and reporting to the Council of the most affected areas.
•  Widespread publicity for public awareness.

Syed said that the municipality is vulnerable to criminals who pillage infrastructure, adding that the theft of copper cables, water meters, steel manhole covers, and similar items is the order of the day.

“Remedies must be explored and implemented for a sustainable solution, as the theft costs the municipality millions of rand,” he said. 

Meanwhile, ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader, Councillor Zwakele Mncwango, brought up the issue of challenges the municipality faces with illegal foreigners and individuals engaging in criminal activities, such as drug peddling and occupying buildings illegally

Mncwango called for the strengthening of existing collaboration and coordination between the municipality's existing law enforcement team, the Department of Home Affairs, and the SAPS in dealing with issues related to hijacked buildings, illegal trading, and drug-related crime. 

“The municipal council, through the Executive Committee, must receive periodic reports on these existing teams and operations. The eThekwini Municipality is facing challenges related to illegal foreigners and any individuals engaging in criminal activities, such as drug peddling and occupying buildings illegally.

“The safety and security of residents are of paramount importance and require effective measures,” Mncwango said. 

Musa Mbhele, eThekwini Municipality city manager, said that the Executive Committee (EXCO) will refer the notices of motion to the Security and Emergency Services Committee for investigation.

“Feedback on notices of motion referred to the support committees will be consolidated and submitted in the October 2025 executive committee meeting,” Mbhele said. 

Zandile Myeni, eThekwini deputy mayor, said the committee will apply its minds to the motions and, in due course, will issue a public statement on the matter. 

Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC Exco member, said the committee must be given time to process the matter and that the public would be briefed on the trajectory of the motions. 

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