# The Department of Water and Sanitation has vowed tough action against the criminal networks sabotaging South Africa’s water infrastructure. Speaking during a South African Human Rights Commission webinar, deputy minister David Mahlobo emphasised that water mafias are vandalising key systems and selling water at inflated prices, threatening service delivery and public health. Mahlobo called for urgent collaboration across government, communities, and law enforcement. He urged whistleblowing and public vigilance, warning that sabotage of water services is economic treason and will not go unpunished.
Government cracks down on water mafias sabotaging infrastructure