https://newsletter.en.creamermedia.com
Aluminium|Business|Fencing|Infrastructure|SECURITY|Steel|Infrastructure|Cables
Aluminium|Business|Fencing|Infrastructure|SECURITY|Steel|Infrastructure|Cables
aluminium|business|fencing|infrastructure|security|steel|infrastructure|cables

Security guards foil robbery attempt at Public Works House

Aluminium scrap metal

Photo by Bloomberg

23rd January 2025

By: Darren Parker

Deputy Editor Online

     

Font size: - +

Security personnel stationed at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI’s) Public Works House, in the central business district (CBD) of Pretoria, foiled efforts on the eve of January 22 by an armed criminal element who descended on the government property, ripping out aluminium and other steel infrastructure, including furniture.

The DPWI has expressed deep concern at the brazen conduct of these and other armed criminals, who have routinely been looting government infrastructure, including stealing aluminium, cables, destroying traffic lights, vandalising and looting railway lines and destroying pylons.

The most recent security intervention at the DPWI’s property resulted in two of the criminals being shot as the group violently infiltrated the guarded premises. The rest of the intruders escaped. The group was armed with life-threatening weapons, such as machetes, and is believed to be notorious for vandalising various properties with the intention of stealing metal and steel for sale in the scrap metal market.

There have been various incidents of vandalism reported at different properties within the CBD area in Tshwane, with Public Works House being the latest victim.

There have also been reports of incidents of fencing being broken down and stolen.

The DPWI said on January 23 that it remained concerned at the flourishing of the scrap metal industry and its relationship with material acquired through theft, which impacts on the economy and critical infrastructure.

The two injured suspects were taken to hospital, while some of the security personnel were taken in for questioning as part of the ongoing police investigation into the incident.

As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good, the DPWI said.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

Article Enquiry

Email Article

Save Article

Feedback

To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Comments

Showroom

EKATO Africa
EKATO Africa

Established in 1933, EKATO is the world leader in agitation technology, supplying agitators for processes and applications such as chemicals and...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Vikela Aluvin (Pty) Ltd
Vikela Aluvin (Pty) Ltd

Complete range of security sealing solutions including security seals bags and labels.

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Magazine round up | 16 January 2026
Magazine round up | 16 January 2026
16th January 2026

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







301

sq:0.228 0.333s - 199pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now