A multi-agency operation targeting illegal electricity connections in Msawawa and Kya Sands left many residents without power, as authorities moved to disconnect unauthorised electricity supply lines and clamp down on electricity theft.

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10 illegally installed transformers used to facilitate large-scale electricity theft were seized, dismantled, and destroyed during a major joint operation. The operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspect found in possession of a transformer that had been used to unlawfully connect to City Power’s network. The suspect was detained at Douglasdale Police Station facing charges relating to tampering with essential infrastructure, with additional charges likely to be added as investigations continue.

The joint operation, conducted by City Power and Eskom with the support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), at the Msawawa informal settlement, resulted in teams seizing four illegally installed transformers and safely destroying a further four on site, after it was determined that they could not be safely removed. At the Kya Sands informal settlement, City Power technicians dismantled an additional two illegally installed transformers, rendering them inoperable. Teams also confiscated numerous electrical cables and aluminium conductors used to unlawfully connect the transformers to the entity’s network.

The disconnections sparked emotional scenes, as residents watched power supplies being cut. Families gathered outside their homes as officials removed cables and disconnected illegal supply points.

City Power acting chief executive officer Charles Tlouane said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect critical infrastructure, improve network reliability, and ensure that electricity is distributed legally and safely. The utility has repeatedly warned that illegal connections can lead to power outages, equipment damage, fires, and electrocutions. “What we uncovered is not merely electricity theft; it is organised criminal activity that places lives at risk and threatens the stability of the electricity network.

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The illegal transformers and connections discovered during this operation were installed with complete disregard for public safety, with some located dangerously close to homes and families. We cannot allow criminal syndicates to profit from infrastructure abuse while exposing communities to the constant threat of electrocution, devastating fires, and prolonged power outages.”

He added that the operation demonstrates their determination, together with law enforcement partners, to identify, dismantle, and remove illegal infrastructure wherever it is found, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “We will continue to pursue those involved in electricity theft and related criminal activities, while protecting communities and safeguarding critical infrastructure.”

Authorities stressed that the campaign against electricity theft will continue across Johannesburg, and urged residents to make use of legal electricity supply channels. “We remain committed to protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that paying customers are not prejudiced by criminal activities that undermine the stability and reliability of the electricity network.”

City Power urged residents not to support or engage with individuals offering illegal electricity connections and to report suspicious activities so that communities can be protected from the devastating consequences of unsafe and unlawful electrical installations.

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