Randburg is among the service delivery centres (SDC) with a high number of recorded infrastructure-related incidents in January alone.

City Power has confirmed to have recorded 112 infrastructure-related incidents across City Power’s service delivery centres. The highest number was recorded in Reuven SDC, with 26 incidents, followed by Roodepoort SDC with 20, Randburg and Alexandra SDCs with 16 incidents each, Lenasia SDC with 15 incidents, Hursthill SDC with 5, and Midrand SDC with 2 incidents. Of particular concern is the Inner City SDC, which recorded 12 incidents, many of which occurred repeatedly within underground tunnels.

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The entity is appealing to residents and businesses to play an active role in protecting critical electricity infrastructure, following a sustained increase in theft and vandalism incidents recorded during January.

Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, explained that these incidents continue to pose a serious risk to power supply stability, public safety, and the delivery of essential services across supply areas. During this period, co-ordinated operations between City Power and law enforcement led to the arrest of 18 suspects linked to infrastructure-related crimes. “While infrastructure theft remains a citywide challenge, the recurring unauthorised access and criminal activity within the Inner City underground tunnels has emerged as a critical operational and safety issue.”

The patrol teams conducting routine tunnel sweeps discovered copper cables had been deliberately cut and removed in the Central substation in the Inner City. Tools commonly associated with infrastructure theft were also found at the scene, indicating organised and premeditated criminal activity. “The ongoing theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, often linked to organised criminal networks, continues to strain City Power’s operational capacity. These crimes result in unplanned power interruptions, damage to critical equipment, such as transformers and switchgear, and the diversion of millions of rands from planned maintenance and network upgrades to emergency repairs. The broader impact is felt by households, businesses, healthcare facilities, transport systems, and water services.” The entity is calling for increased visibility and patrols by law enforcement agencies, both on the surface and within underground infrastructure corridors.

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Mangena added that community vigilance remains one of the most effective deterrents against infrastructure-related crime. Residents are urged to immediately report any suspicious or unusual activity near substations, tunnels, or other essential infrastructure. “This includes unauthorised access to restricted areas, individuals tampering with electrical equipment, open or damaged access points, or people carrying cables or cutting tools.”

City Power emphasised that electricity infrastructure is a shared public asset, and safeguarding it requires a collective effort. Community awareness and co-operation are critical in ensuring a reliable power supply and a safer city for all.
Residents are encouraged to call the security risk management control room on 011 490 7900/7911/7553 or send a message via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.

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