The City of Tshwane has officially appointed Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies to head the Asset Protection and Security Services unit, effective from 1 March 2025. This strategic decision by the Multiparty Coalition Government aims to tackle the rising threats to critical infrastructure, which has been increasingly targeted by criminal activity in recent years.
During the announcement, the MMC for Community Safety, Grandi Theunissen, mentioned Spies’ impressive background in law enforcement, noting his extensive experience of over 40 years in the field.
“Deputy Commissioner Spies brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned law enforcement leader, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. His extensive experience in both Tshwane and Ekurhuleni have equipped him with the expectations and insights necessary to implement meaningful change,” said Theunissen .
Spies began his career in January 1983 with the South African Police Force and later served as a registered traffic officer in the Pretoria Traffic Department. His extensive tenure in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni has familiarized him with the security issues confronting the city, particularly concerning the safeguarding of vital infrastructure.
This appointment comes amid substantial financial losses for Tshwane due to crimes targeting its infrastructure. Losses related to energy have soared from R470 million in the 2022/23 fiscal year to a projected R800 million for 2024/25. Issues such as theft of municipal assets, damage to electrical substations, and vandalism of water and transport infrastructure have led to ongoing disruptions for residents.
Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya welcomed Spies into the role, reaffirming the city’s dedication to protecting its assets and improving public safety.
“The City of Tshwane welcomes the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Spies to lead the City’s Asset Protection Unit. We’ve suffered losses of hundreds of millions, and this appointment marks a decisive step in our efforts to protect our infrastructure,” expressed Moya.
To bolster Spies and his unit, the city has committed an additional R315 million for security enhancements. This funding will facilitate the deployment of more security personnel and the introduction of modern surveillance technologies, including advanced CCTV systems and motion detection, to monitor critical sites. Intelligence-driven operations will also be essential in dismantling criminal networks involved in infrastructure theft.
Additionally, under Spies’ leadership, there will be an emphasis on establishing rapid-response enforcement teams to ensure prompt action against individuals targeting the city’s assets. The city administration also intends to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and private security firms to enhance the overall security framework.
Through this appointment, the city aims to convey a clear stance against infrastructure crimes. Tshwane’s government is confident that Spies’ leadership will contribute significantly to restoring stability and ensuring consistent service delivery for its residents.
