eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba raised alarms over a significant rise in municipal vehicle thefts and attacks on staff, urging immediate action to ensure safety and service delivery.
Image: eThekwini Municipality / Facebook
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has sounded the alarm on a spike in municipal vehicle thefts and violent attacks on staff members, urging city officials to implement decisive action to protect both public assets and employee safety.
Xaba's firm stance comes amid reports indicating that around 100 municipal vehicles have been stolen in the past two years, with vehicle theft incidents continuing to rise unabated.
In a recent address, the mayor highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating: “We are concerned about this challenge because it instils fear among employees who are at the forefront of service delivery, which then adversely affects the provision of essential services to the community.”
He directed the city's administration to craft a comprehensive plan in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Xaba requested a detailed report on the exact number of municipal vehicles stolen and hijacked over the past three years.
The report is also expected to clarify incidents of intimidation and attacks against municipal employees. Following the findings, the report will be presented at the Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting to facilitate practical solutions moving forward.
The mayor’s concerns were especially pertinent given the growing trend of violence directed at city workers.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus leader in the city, Thabani Mthethwa, welcomed the mayor’s commitment to addressing the theft of municipal vehicles and attacks on staff. Mthethwa stated he was looking forward to the report that will be presented to the Executive Committee.
“The DA has consistently called for intelligence-driven operations to tackle infrastructure sabotage, including operations of water tankers and critical assets in the water and electricity departments. The safety of municipal staff and protection of city resources are crucial to restoring reliable service delivery. We urge the municipality and law enforcement agencies to act with urgency, implement targeted interventions, and ensure that those responsible are brought to book,” he added.
Earlier in the year, a group of suspected 'mafia' members launched repeated attacks on members of the roads department, confiscating their maintenance equipment and issuing threats.
These incidents heightened anxiety among the workforce, leading to a reluctance to carry out essential repairs in high-risk areas, especially in the northern townships of KwaMashu and Newlands West.
In response, the municipality plans to bolster the presence of Metro Police at identified hotspots, including Mayville, Folweni, Umlazi, KwaMashu, Inanda, Zwelibomvu, Hammarsdale, and KwaNdengezi. The collaboration with law enforcement aims to improve safety for municipal employees and deter criminal activities affecting public infrastructure.
Xaba has reiterated the importance of fostering a robust partnership between the city and the community, emphasising the need for collaboration with local crime-fighting structures to effectively combat the ongoing security crisis.
It has also been reported that the city is grappling with a range of issues related to fraud and corruption. In the 2024/2025 financial year, 181 cases of fraud and corruption were documented, alongside 126 infrastructure theft cases, with 25 ongoing criminal investigations.
“The multifaceted approach to these pressing concerns highlights the city’s determination to restore safety and efficiency within its ranks,” said Xaba.
DAILY NEWS