A dedicated law enforcement unit has been set up to safeguard municipal facilities and escort staff who need to carryout essential maintenance and other services.

According to the City the Facility Protection Officers (FPO) unit will comprise of 80 officers. They will be supported by 200 Facility Protection Monitors. The monitors were recruited from the areas they will be used in. The City says these monitors are from registered Neighbourhood Watch Patrollers and those who previously served on the Walking Bus programme.

Theft and vandalism of public infrastructure as well as gangs trying to extort money from contractors have become a major problem. Latest figures show that theft and vandalism has so far cost the municipality almost R60 million for this financial year.