Businesses in Kya Sand are calling for stronger protection of electricity infrastructure after weeks of power disruptions exposed the growing impact of illegal connections, cable theft, and vandalism on economic activity.

While City Power has successfully restored electricity following the replacement of a faulty mini-substation, business leaders say sustained security patrols and closer collaboration are essential to prevent criminal syndicates from once again plunging the industrial area into darkness. The call comes from Natasha Baboophilall, business manager at Africa Trade Platform, whose business, along with several others in Kya Sand, endured a power outage lasting more than two weeks.

The outage was traced to a faulty mini-substation on Orleans Road, which required replacement. During investigations, City Power technicians also uncovered illegal electricity connections linked to the mini-substation, which were supplying a nearby informal settlement.
Baboophilall said the prolonged outage had severe consequences for businesses operating in the area. “Our business has suffered multiple break-ins and theft of equipment because our electric fence was not operational due to the power outage. The level of cable theft and vandalism in this area is extremely high. While we appreciate that City Power has now replaced the mini-substation, we hope to see increased security visibility to prevent further illegal connections.”

Read more: Power outages frustrate Randburg residents

Team leader for unplanned power outages at the Randburg service delivery centre Katiso Mosala confirmed that electricity supply to all affected customers was successfully restored following the installation of the replacement mini-substation. “Two weeks ago, our operators were dispatched to investigate the outage affecting customers in Kya Sand. The team managed to restore approximately 97% of the supply, with one load centre remaining off. Further investigations revealed that one of our mini-substations was faulty. We then initiated the process of sourcing and installing a replacement unit.”

He appealed to businesses, residents, and City Power customers to work together to combat illegal connections, cable theft, and vandalism, warning that organised criminal syndicates continue to target critical electricity infrastructure, including cables, breakers, and equipment housed inside mini-substations and switching stations.

Mosala said recent enforcement operations had already delivered significant results. “Recently, during a joint operation with law enforcement agencies, we dismantled an illegal network connected to our overhead lines supplying a nearby informal settlement. We also confiscated ten transformers that were illegally connected to our network. These criminal acts undermine our efforts to provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.”

Also read: Exposed power cable jolts Fontainebleau resident

City Power is urging residents, businesses, and members of the public to play an active role in protecting the electricity network by reporting illegal electricity connections, cable theft, vandalism, and any suspicious activity around electricity infrastructure.

Reports can be made anonymously through the City Power Anti-Fraud and Illegal Connections Hotline on 0800 002 587 or 011 490 7553. Members of the public are also encouraged to report electricity-related criminal activity to the South African Police Service or the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.

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