Six unknown assailants assaulted and overpowered two unarmed guards at the Claudius Substation in Cuprene Street, Mooiplaats, Pretoria, on Wednesday night.

The substation was stripped of over 200m of cables from the transformers, leaving residents in the dark for hours.

The injured guards were reportedly taken to Kalafong Hospital for medical attention.

According to the local CPF, this is the second time an incident like this has occurred in six months.

“The power was restored around 10:00 [April 4]. The vandalised cables were bypassed and will still have to be replaced,” says PR councillor for the area, Prajay Ramjee.

According to Laudium CPF chairperson Shaheen Wahab, a criminal case has been opened with Laudium SAPS and the police are on the hunt for the suspects.

Wahab says intensified police presence is needed in the area.

“On behalf of Laudium CPF, I am deeply concerned about this unfortunate event that took place. It is the second time in the last six months that this happened,” Wahab adds.

“A case was opened and the case is currently under investigation. The Tshwane metro needs to get additional armed guards as this is a national key point. Furthermore, Laudium police must ensure more patrols are done at the power station, especially during load-shedding and power outages.”

Pretoria Rekord is awaiting police and metro responses on the matter.

Residents with any information related to this incident are encouraged to contact their local authorities.