Suspect caught inside transformer substation on Montrose Avenue
City Power urges residents to report any suspicious activity next to their infrastructure to prevent vandalism.
City Power security teams, together with their local security partner SB Security, caught a suspect red-handed vandalising the substation on Montrose Avenue.
On May 3, City Power technical teams were dispatched, following reports of an outage affecting power supply to customers on Montrose Avenue.
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Teams initially inspected multiple substations. Upon arrival, the team found the transformer substation (TSS) barricaded. When opened, a suspect was discovered, still actively vandalising the electrical infrastructure inside.
The suspect was arrested and taken into custody by the Honeydew police. Power supply to affected customers and businesses was fully restored on May 4, after replacement materials had been sourced and repairs completed.
Isaac Mangena, the entity spokesperson, explained that such incidents of theft and vandalism place a substantial financial burden on City Power.
“The cost of replacing a single TSS unit alone can range from approximately R691 297 to R793 365 for 314kVA–500kVA units, and from R821 605 to R946 866 for 630kVA–1000kVA units.
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These costs strain the entity’s resources and divert funds from essential network maintenance and upgrades.”
The entity urges customers to remain vigilant regarding the safety of electrical infrastructure in their communities. “A TSS contains high-voltage equipment and should never be approached or tampered with, as this poses a serious risk of electrocution, fire, or explosion.”
Customers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, damaged fencing, open substation doors, or unauthorised persons near electrical infrastructure to City Power’s Risk and Security Management Department immediately.
They are encouraged to call the Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900 / 7911 / 7553 or via WhatsApp 083 579 4497.
“By working together with law enforcement and the community, customers can help protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of all.
We encourage customers to treat all electrical equipment as live and dangerous.”
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