City Power has been rolling out a programme to secure mini-substations across Johannesburg, targeting hotspots where vandalism and theft have repeatedly undermined electricity supply.
Alexandra was identified as one of the priority areas, but on April 10, that plan was abruptly derailed.

Around midday, five armed suspects confronted two City Power contractors near the intersection of 11th and 12th Avenue and Richard Baloyi Street. The workers were welding and reinforcing mini-substations when the men, travelling in a white Toyota Avanza without registration plates, struck. According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the suspects pointed firearms at the driver, seized the vehicle keys, and fled with the contractors’ white Nissan NP200 bakkie. The vehicle contained tools, equipment, personal belongings, a generator, paint, and welding rods.

Read more: Armed suspects hijack City Power contractors vehicle in Alexandra

Mangena confirmed that no injuries were sustained during the incident. Furthermore, he condemned the attack on contractors. “Such incidents not only place the lives of workers at risk but also undermine efforts to protect essential infrastructure and ensure a reliable electricity supply to communities.”

City Power has faced escalating infrastructure-related crimes in Alexandra, making it a priority to secure its assets. Protective work has already been carried out in Lyndhurst, Lombardy East, Gresswold, Hofmeyer, and Kew. Alexandra was next in line, with contractors deployed to secure mini-substations against vandalism.

Mangena stressed that criminal activity continued to pose major challenges for the utility.

Also read: City Power responds to infrastructure theft and vandalism in Alex

Late last year, a similar incident occurred when a group of armed assailants attacked City Power security officers on duty at the Alexandra substation, tying them up and robbing them. More than anything, the two incidents, coupled with the intimidation that City Power technicians often face while conducting their work, highlight just how volatile the situation can be in areas identified as hotspots for theft and vandalism of the power utility’s infrastructure.

“We call on members of the community to stand up against criminal activities and to promptly report any incidents of intimidation, threats, attacks, or suspicious activity around City Power infrastructure. Such cooperation is vital in improving response times and ensuring the safety of both employees and residents.”

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