KNYSNA NEWS - Serious questions have been raised about security at the municipal depot following reports of theft, vandalism and possible sabotage involving key service vehicles.
The Knysna Municipality has been asked to respond to allegations including the overnight theft of diesel from three compactor trucks, a stolen battery and damage to a petrol cap.
Further claims suggest a pattern of security breaches in recent months, including the theft of electrical cables last month, with a municipal employee reportedly identified on camera, as well as allegations that hydraulic pipes on recently repaired compactor trucks had been deliberately cut.
Concerns have also been raised about how such incidents could occur within a secured facility, with questions over on-site security, possible internal negligence and the impact on essential service delivery such as refuse removal.
Knysna-Plett Herald submitted a list of detailed questions to the municipality and Knysna Police regarding the incidents, investigations and potential financial losses.
Municipal response
The municipality confirmed that a break-in had occurred at its depot in Fechter Street, during which diesel and other items were stolen. The matter has been reported to the police and is under investigation.
It said preliminary findings suggest access was gained through a cut section of perimeter fencing. Security personnel were on duty at the time, and their accounts form part of the ongoing investigation.
The municipality added that both internal and police investigations are under way, including into last month's alleged cable theft and reported damage to municipal vehicles. It said no findings of negligence or collusion have been made at this stage.
According to the municipality, only a limited number of security incidents have been recorded at the depot over the past 12 months, while the full financial impact is still being assessed.
Immediate steps have been taken to strengthen security, including increased deployment of guards, improved visibility around the Fechter Street area, fencing repairs and clearing of overgrown vegetation.
A broader review of security systems is also under way and will form part of the draft 2026/27 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework for public comment.
The municipality said contingency measures are in place to ensure refuse removal and other essential services are not disrupted, with urgent repairs carried out on affected compactor trucks to maintain service delivery.
Stricter oversight measures are also being introduced to better safeguard municipal assets going forward.
The police confirmed that Knysna detectives are investigating two cases of burglary and theft following alleged incidents at a municipal depot in Fechter Street in the industrial area on two occasions during March. No arrests have been made, and the investigations are ongoing.
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