Computers, microwaves and documents were stolen from the office of a Motherwell councillor on Friday night and part of the building was torched by residents.
Ward 55 councillor Mzuvukile Boti, 34, said the looting and torching had come after a power outage in the area on Friday.
He urged residents yesterday to voice their concerns in a peaceful manner.
“Yes, I am the councillor, but it is not my fault that the area was without electricity.
“When I got a call after 5pm on Friday about a protest, I immediately contacted the municipality and asked when the electricity would be switched back on,” he said.
About two hours later a security firm contacted him, saying the office alarm had gone off.
“When I got there, part of my office was on fire and other parts were vandalised and part of a wall had been broken down to gain access into the yard.”
Six security guards were deployed to the office on Saturday.
“I made a plea to the municipality to ensure that each councillor’s office in the Bay has 24hour security.
“This type of thing is not going to stop.
“Our offices are targets especially now with load-shedding.
“Things could get out of hand again.”
He said residents had broken into the office through a back door after damaging a lock.
Burned tyres were on the floor and documents scattered around.
“I am disappointed this has happened because my job is to serve my community and I have people’s documents here that I need. Now it is burnt.
“How am I supposed to help these people today?”
He said residents had also torched two municipal vehicles near his office.
Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that the vehicles as well as Boti’s office had been set alight.