Residents in Victory Park are raising concerns about the security of a City Power transformer switching station near Crossroads School.

This follows repeated incidents of vandalism and unauthorised access that they say has left the facility exposed. Resident Greg Thomas said the site has been targeted three times, with each incident affecting electricity supply in the area for several days.

According to Thomas, the repeated damage has raised questions about whether enough is being done to protect critical infrastructure and prevent further costly repairs. He said City Power continues to replace damaged equipment, which he estimates could cost close to R2m per unit, without addressing what he believes is the root cause of the problem – securing the facility.

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Thomas expressed concern that open access points around the substation create risks beyond theft and vandalism, particularly because of the facility’s location near a school. He warned that curious children could enter the area and face serious danger from exposed electrical equipment. “The first priority should be securing the property, the entry points, and preventing vandalism and theft.”

He added that leaving the site vulnerable creates unnecessary risks for both residents and the municipality’s infrastructure. The impact on residents has been significant, with some households experiencing power outages lasting up to four days. He raised concerns about vulnerable residents who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, saying prolonged outages can create serious challenges.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the utility was aware of concerns raised regarding the condition of the transformer switching station near Crossroads School. Mangena said while they had not received reports confirming repeated break-ins at the facility, the concerns regarding access points and site conditions had been referred to the relevant operational and facilities teams for assessment. He said City Power takes the security of critical electricity infrastructure seriously and would investigate any issues that could affect public safety or electricity reliability.

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According to Mangena, security measures at electricity facilities include routine patrols, inspections by operational teams, and ongoing monitoring of critical sites. He acknowledged that securing Johannesburg’s extensive electricity network remains an ongoing challenge, and said additional interventions would be considered following the assessment of the site.

Mangena said electrical infrastructure poses serious safety risks and should never be accessed by members of the public, particularly in areas close to schools. He urged residents, parents, and learners to avoid electrical installations and report damaged fencing, open doors, or suspected security breaches.

City Power said the site would be inspected and any identified maintenance, repairs, or additional security measures would be addressed through the appropriate processes.

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