Latest news with #Msunduzi
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- The Citizen
Petrol bomb attack guts substation in Pietermaritzburg
A brazen petrol bomb attack in the early hours yesterday morning left a newly installed electrical distribution transformer in the Lester Brown/Shorts Retreat area in Pietermaritzburg destroyed, prompting strong condemnation from the Msunduzi Municipality. The Witness reports that the transformer, situated within the premises of Rapid Truck Bodies, had been relocated at significant cost by the municipality to protect critical infrastructure from ongoing vandalism and theft. Despite these efforts and its positioning on private property, the facility was torched in what the municipality described as a deliberate act of sabotage. In a statement issued yesterday, the municipality confirmed that the suspects fled when private security and SAPS members arrived on the scene. However, thanks to the swift intervention of Magma Security, a second substation located just outside the premises was secured in time and saved from damage. 'Their rapid response undoubtedly protected essential power supply to the area and averted a broader outage,' the statement read. The municipality said SAPS and Magma Security responded immediately, with a police vehicle and private security team remaining stationed at the site as a precaution. 'This attack is deeply alarming. The infrastructure was moved to this site precisely to shield it from interference. That individuals from the surrounding community would target it, even within secured, privately-owned premises, is a serious concern,' the municipality said. Calling for community co-operation to help identify the perpetrators, the municipality stressed that the protection of public infrastructure requires a collective response. 'Protecting public infrastructure is not only a municipal responsibility; it requires unified action from law enforcement, private security, businesses and the public. Msunduzi is resolute… We will not allow criminality to derail service delivery.' An investigation is underway. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Herald
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Msunduzi municipality launches investigation into why fan park was cancelled, apologises to residents
'This unfortunate event does not reflect the mayor's values nor his long-standing record of delivering inclusive, people-centred programmes. His unwavering commitment to using sport as a tool to inspire, unite, and uplift our communities remains resolute. 'We understand the expectations placed on us, and we commit that such a situation will never happen again. We are taking immediate steps to improve our planning, communication, and co-ordination for future events. 'Msunduzi remains committed to building a vibrant, inclusive city where all residents can enjoy major cultural and sporting experiences. We thank the public for their patience and understanding, and we ask for your continued support as we work to rebuild your trust,' said Ngcobo. However, the KwaZulu-Natal capital city's residents were not ready to accept the apology. Sandile Tshezi said: ''This unfortunate event does not reflect the mayor's values nor his long-standing record of delivering inclusive and people-centred programmes'. That is not true. What happened is a true reflection of his incompetence, self-centred and heartless character, who doesn't care and has no interests of PMB citizens who pay his salary at heart.' Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics spokesperson Anthony Waldhausen said almost every event hosted by the municipality was cancelled. 'The interview at the radio station was postponed, the IDP and budget consultations postponed, cancellation of public viewing event. This just shows the dysfunctionality of the municipality. 'Local government is the coalface of development and service delivery but it's non-existent at Msunduzi Municipality. We have poor leadership and incompetence at the municipality. It's so sad and disheartening at what's happening with our city.' TimesLIVE
