Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

07/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/10/2025 08:03

NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY CONDEMNS CRIMINALITY AND VANDALISM DISGUISED AS SERVICE DELIVERY PROTESTS IN WARD 60

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality strongly condemns the acts of criminality, vandalism, and public disorder that unfolded in Ward 60, Wells Estate, last night under the pretext of service delivery concerns.

Despite municipal interventions already being implemented to address electricity-related challenges in the area, rogue elements exploited the situation, closing the ward councillor's office, blocking roads, and engaging in destruction of property. A truck was torched on the N2, directly threatening lives, disrupting traffic, and denying essential services to other residents. This was not a protest, it was lawlessness.

Today, the Municipality's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electricity and Energy, Cllr Luyanda Lawu, convened an urgent strategy meeting at the Noninzi Building with ward Councillor Thembinkosi Mafana, the security cluster, and senior municipal officials to respond to the crisis and map a way forward.

"We want to be very clear," said MMC Lawu. "Damaging municipal infrastructure and attacking property under the guise of service delivery is criminal and will not be tolerated. It undermines the very services communities depend on and places innocent lives at risk. These acts are a direct assault on our city's development and will be met with the full might of the law."

The Municipality confirms that one individual was arrested at the scene of the truck incident, with two additional arrests made shortly thereafter. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and monitor the situation closely.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urges all residents to raise their concerns through lawful, constructive channels. Vandalism, violence, and intimidation have no place in our democratic society. The Municipality remains committed to restoring calm, delivering services, and building a safe, liveable city for all.
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