Molteno Residents Warned After Electricity Infrastructure Vandalised

Residents of Molteno have been urged to remain vigilant and take safety precautions following the deliberate vandalism of electricity infrastructure in the area, an incident that threatens power supply and poses serious safety risks to the community.

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality confirmed on Friday that several electricity poles in Molteno were intentionally damaged, prompting strong condemnation from municipal authorities. The municipality warned that the act not only disrupts essential services but also endangers lives, particularly where exposed electrical components are involved.

According to the municipality, the incident has been formally reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and an investigation is now underway. Residents with any information that could assist authorities are being encouraged to come forward.

Risk of Power Interruptions

Municipal officials have indicated that, due to the extent of the damage, sections of the electricity line may need to be temporarily isolated to ensure that repair work can be carried out safely. This could result in short-term power outages in affected parts of Molteno while technicians assess and repair the damaged infrastructure.

The municipality has emphasised that these measures, although disruptive, are necessary to prevent further damage, protect workers on site, and reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

Electricity infrastructure vandalism remains a growing concern across many parts of the Eastern Cape, often leading to prolonged outages, costly repairs, and safety hazards for nearby residents. In some cases, fallen or weakened poles can collapse without warning, placing pedestrians, motorists, and nearby homes at risk.

Community Urged to Stay Alert

Residents have been advised to closely follow official communication channels for updates on repairs and potential outages. These include the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s official Facebook page as well as direct communication through ward councillors.

Community members are also being urged to report any suspicious activity, particularly around electricity infrastructure, to SAPS or directly to the municipal hotline on 045 807 2606. The municipality stressed that timely reporting can help prevent further damage and reduce the risk of extended service disruptions.

Safety Precautions During Outages

With the possibility of power interruptions, residents have been reminded to take basic safety precautions during outages. These include using candles with extreme care, keeping them away from flammable materials, and never leaving them unattended. Households are also encouraged to have basic emergency kits ready, including torches, batteries, and fully charged mobile phones.

Municipal officials reiterated that vandalism of critical infrastructure ultimately impacts the entire community, diverting resources away from service delivery and placing additional strain on already limited municipal budgets.

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has appealed for community cooperation, urging residents to help protect public infrastructure and to work with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues and repair work progresses.