TSUMEB—In a bid to curb the rising theft and vandalism of municipal property, Tsumeb Municipality spokesperson Stella Imalwa-Nangolo has called on residents to cease these activities and to report any suspicious behavior. The plea comes after the repeated theft of road safety cones, posing significant risks to public safety.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Imalwa-Nangolo highlighted the issue during an interview on Wednesday, detailing the theft of 30 orange road safety cones, valued at N$6,897.75. These cones were stolen on three separate occasions this year from various streets in Tsumeb where they had been placed to meet legal safety requirements. “These cones are critical for ensuring road safety and supporting street maintenance efforts as well as alerting the public about roadworks or potential hazards,” Imalwa-Nangolo explained.

The removal of these cones disrupts municipal operations and significantly increases the risk of road accidents and potential fatalities. Imalwa-Nangolo also issued a stern warning to driving school owners to avoid purchasing or engaging in the illegal trade of stolen municipal property. “We strongly urge all members of the public to refrain from illegal activities and if any person is found in possession of these cones, he or she will be prosecuted,” she emphasized.

Further concerns were raised about the theft and vandalism of other municipal assets, including road signs, water grip propellers, electric cables, copper wires, steel water covers, and street lamps this year. Despite some recoveries at local scrapyards, the replacement of these stolen items remains a costly endeavor for the municipality. “People steal and go and sell some of these items to the scrapyard while the cones are being sold to the guys at driving schools,” Imalwa-Nangolo reported.