THE post office services of delivering post are affected by the vandalism of postbox units located at various sites within the communities.
South African Post Office SOC Limited communication specialist Nobuhle Njapha, said that it costs R40 000 to manufacture and install a post box unit.
“Ten postbox units in Pietermaritzburg were vandalised, and postbox units that were repaired have been vandalised again. The SA Post Office has engaged community forums in these areas to sensitise them to the problem.
“The postbox units were installed at various times as part of the Post Office’s campaign to give each household a postal address. Postboxes that are in use will be repaired as soon as funds become available, given the current financial challenges of the SA Post Office,” said Njapha.
She said that postbox units will be removed in other areas. “In areas where the postboxes have been replaced by street delivery, the damaged postboxes will be removed. The average cost for manufacturing and installing a postbox unit is R40 000. The community should also be reminded that it is a criminal offence to damage postboxes,” said Njapha.
She urged the public to report anyone that vandalises the postbox units as they are the property of the SA Post Office. She added, “Community members who have information about postal crimes, are requested to report it to the Post Office’s toll-free crime line on 0800 020 070.”
