In a major breakthrough against infrastructure crime, City Power Security—working in close collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the community—has arrested six individuals linked to cable theft and tampering with electricity infrastructure across Johannesburg within a 24-hour period.
The suspects, aged between 21 and 37, were apprehended during three separate operations in Johannesburg’s CBD, Alexandra, and Bramley View. The arrests form part of City Power’s intensified campaign to protect critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to residents.
The most significant operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, 10 September, inside Johannesburg’s underground service tunnel network. At approximately 02:11, City Power Tactical Officers and patrollers, conducting a routine sweep of the tunnels between the Central and Kazerne substations, encountered three individuals dragging large communication cables.
Upon being spotted, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a dramatic underground pursuit. One suspect was caught as he tried to escape through a Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) manhole at the corner of Quinn and Carr Streets, while the remaining two were apprehended near Mainreef Bridge. A quantity of aluminium cabling was recovered at the scene. The suspects, all foreign nationals, are aged 21, 24, and 37.
“This incident highlights both the increasing boldness of cable theft syndicates and the relentless efforts by our teams to dismantle them,” said City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava.
Later that same day, at approximately 18:30, City Power Security responded to a community tip-off in Alexandra. Upon arrival, security officers found two suspects already restrained by members of the community, who reported the individuals for allegedly tampering with City Power infrastructure.
One of the suspects reportedly claimed to be an employee of City Power’s Alexandra Service Delivery Centre. An internal investigation is currently underway to verify this claim. “Should it be established that this individual is indeed on our payroll, we will take decisive disciplinary and legal action,” Mashava confirmed.
“We commend the community of Alexandra for their vigilance and quick reporting. This is precisely the type of public cooperation we need to successfully combat infrastructure crime,” Mashava added. “City Power maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any criminal activity involving its employees or contractors.”
A third incident occurred around 20:15 in Bramley View, where a suspect was caught in the act of cutting live electricity cables along The Glen Road. While one accomplice escaped, the remaining suspect was restrained by community members and later handed over to private security and SAPS. The suspect, who sustained injuries during the apprehension, is currently under police guard in hospital. A criminal case is being processed.
City Power has praised the rapid response of SAPS, security teams, and community members across all three incidents. “These arrests demonstrate that City Power and its partners are intensifying efforts to combat the sabotage of essential infrastructure, which severely disrupts electricity supply to our residents,” Mashava stated.
All suspects face charges related to theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing.
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