United Democratic Movement (UDM) president Bantu Holomisa has called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the persistent destruction of electricity infrastructure in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. In a letter to the SIU, Holomisa expressed concern over a suspected organised network behind the vandalism of substations in Mthatha. He requested an urgent intervention to uncover parties possibly benefiting from the destruction.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality has been experiencing an electricity infrastructure crisis, with several substations destroyed or vandalised. According to Holomisa, the destruction has resulted in significant financial losses, with over R34m spent on repairs since January 2026. The estimated replacement cost of 15 substations allegedly destroyed since April is around R45m. Holomisa urged the SIU to examine the possibility of companies or individuals benefiting from contracts awarded after infrastructure was damaged.
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho confirmed that the unit had received Holomisa's letter and was assessing the matter. The SIU has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to address the issue. Holomisa also wrote to acting police minister Feroz Cachalia, requesting a crime intelligence-led and intergovernmental intervention into the systematic destruction of electricity infrastructure.
The investigation should determine whether companies contracted for security, repairs, maintenance, or replacement work have links to the affected infrastructure or incidents. Holomisa also wants the unit to establish whether the same companies or individuals repeatedly benefit from contracts following infrastructure destruction. The probe should examine invoices for emergency repairs, security, and replacement work to ensure they accurately reflect services rendered.
A joint operation involving KSD law enforcement, the Hawks, and the OR Tambo district police task team resulted in the arrest of nine suspects aged between 20 and 30 in connection with the burning and vandalism of KSD mini-substations. One of those arrested was already wanted by police in connection with the incidents. The operation and investigation are continuing.
KSD spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said mayor Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo welcomed the arrests and appealed to residents to report suspicious activity. The mayor has committed to ensuring that those found guilty face the full might of the law. The destruction of electricity infrastructure has become a significant concern, with residents and businesses affected by the outages.
Holomisa emphasised that the destruction of electricity infrastructure cannot be allowed to become normalised. He urged the SIU to investigate not only those who physically destroy the infrastructure but also the broader ecosystem that may enable or benefit from these attacks. The investigation should examine whether the attacks are part of a coordinated criminal network and identify individuals, businesses, and others involved.
Key points
- UDM leader Bantu Holomisa requests SIU to investigate destruction of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality's electricity infrastructure
- Nine suspects arrested in connection with burning and vandalism of KSD mini-substations
- Estimated replacement cost of destroyed substations is around R45m
