Street lights vandalism threaten community safety in Mokopane

The Mogalakwena Local Municipality has raised alarm over the escalating theft and vandalism of street-light infrastructure across several communities in Mokopane, Limpopo.

This follows a string of recent incidents in which entire poles, wiring and solar lighting units were illegally removed or stolen under the cover of darkness.

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According to the municipality, these criminal acts have far-reaching consequences for residents. Street lights are a vital public safety feature, helping improve visibility at night, deter criminal activity and reduce the likelihood of road accidents involving both pedestrians and stray animals.

The absence of proper lighting has already resulted in growing concerns among community members who fear rising crime and reduced safety on major routes and within residential areas.

Municipal officials warn that the destruction and theft of this infrastructure create financial setbacks at a time when resources are already stretched. Funds that should be allocated to improving service delivery and expanding development projects are now being diverted toward replacing damaged or stolen equipment. This not only slows progress but undermines efforts to uplift communities that rely heavily on municipal services.

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The Mogalakwena Local Municipality has called on residents to be vigilant, report suspicious behavior and play an active role in safeguarding public infrastructure.

Working together, the municipality says, will be key to restoring well-lit, safe and secure neighborhoods for all living in Mokopane.