The eThekwini Municipality has announced the creation of 85 permanent posts for Asset Protection Officers to protect its infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and unlawful occupation. This move aims to strengthen the protection of municipal infrastructure, including water and electricity supply systems. The new positions will take effect from December 1, with an allocated operating budget of R38 million.
According to Mayor Cyril Xaba, the Asset Protection Officers will be responsible for safeguarding water, electricity, and other municipal infrastructure. The municipality has been grappling with vandalism of critical infrastructure, which has contributed to disruptions in essential services. Vandalism and theft of infrastructure have caused interruptions to water and electricity services across the City.
The creation of these permanent posts is part of the municipality's efforts to address the challenges posed by infrastructure vandalism. Between July 2025 and April 2026, the City's Integrity and Investigation Directorate investigated 241 cases related to infrastructure theft, with 108 cases confirmed and referred to law enforcement authorities.
Mayor Xaba announced the move during a post-council media briefing at the Durban City Hall on Sunday. The municipality has previously warned that vandalism and theft of infrastructure have caused significant disruptions to essential services. The new Asset Protection Officers will play a crucial role in preventing such incidents and ensuring the reliability of municipal services.
The municipality is also implementing several interventions aimed at addressing water losses and improving the reliability of water and sanitation services. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of vandalism and theft on municipal infrastructure.
Infrastructure vandalism and theft often disrupt water and electricity supply across various communities and businesses. The eThekwini Municipality's move to create permanent Asset Protection Officers is expected to enhance the protection of its infrastructure and minimize service disruptions.
The new Asset Protection Officers will be instrumental in protecting municipal infrastructure, and their deployment is expected to improve the overall security of essential services in the City. The municipality's efforts to address infrastructure vandalism are ongoing, with a focus on preventing future incidents and ensuring the reliability of municipal services.
Key points
- The eThekwini Municipality has allocated an operating budget of R38 million for the 85 permanent Asset Protection Officer positions.
- The new Asset Protection Officers will be responsible for safeguarding water, electricity, and other municipal infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and unlawful occupation.
- Between July 2025 and April 2026, the City's Integrity and Investigation Directorate investigated 241 cases related to infrastructure theft.
