Enter ‘skelm’ returns

The Bellville Community Police Forum (CPF) says it’s losing the battle against water meter skelms.

This is after an alleged diefwho has been operating in Boston, Oakdale and surrounding areas for the past few months, is back on the streets.

The man was taken into custody in April 2024 after he was found in possession of six stolen water meters by Bellville Saps members in De La Haye Avenue.

According to CPF Chairperson Emre Uygun, they are fighting a losing battle as the suspect has not been prosecuted despite having a criminal history.

Uygun says: “They can’t tell me what happened to the docket. Apparently that six water meters they caught him with, the court does not consider it as a crime, it was only possession of stolen property.”

CCTV footage has shown the suspect removing a water meter from outside a Bellville residence before making his way down the empty street.

Uygun says since the man’s release there has been a disturbing surge in theft of water meters, with nearly 10 cases reported in the past week.

“Since this guy came out again he just went back to the streets to steal more water meters.”

The City has spent R3.9 million to replace 2 255 meters that have been stolen between July 2022 and May 2023.

The CPF has asked for the special undercover 252 unit to vang the dief.

“Our only focus now is to see if we can’t catch him to show the court that he is not willing to change.”