Two City Power security officers were robbed of their belongings after two armed robbers gained access to the Robertville Substation.

According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the incident occurred at about 18:10 on June 20, when the robbers accessed the substation after cutting sections of the barbed-wire perimeter fence.

Upon entering the facility, the robbers confronted the officers on duty and took their cellphones, a security radio and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.

Mangena raised the alarm over a surge in attacks on infrastructure and staff in Roodepoort, warning that critical electricity assets, employees and security personnel are increasingly being targeted by organised criminal groups.

“City Power is deeply concerned by the growing frequency and boldness of criminal attacks targeting essential electricity infrastructure. The armed robbery is yet another indication that criminal elements are becoming increasingly brazen in targeting critical electricity infrastructure,” he said.

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Mangena added that while City Power is relieved no one was physically injured and no infrastructure was damaged during the incident, the safety and well-being of employees, contractors and security personnel remains a serious concern.

“These attacks threaten not only our assets but also the reliability of electricity supply to thousands of customers,” he said.

Mangena confirmed that City Power is working closely with law enforcement agencies and security partners to investigate the incident and strengthen security measures at vulnerable sites.

“We are appealing to residents to play an active role in safeguarding public infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities near substations, mini-substations, transformers and other electricity installations,” Mangena said.

Residents are encouraged to report serious crimes immediately and anonymously by calling 011 490 7900/ 11/ 7553, 0800 116 166 (toll-free), or WhatsApp 083 579 4497.

The security officers involved have been offered counselling and psychosocial support to help them process the incident and return to duty safely.