City Power teams survive shootout during cable theft operation

City Power (CP) confirmed the arrests of seven suspects over the past week, including three employees apprehended on Mandela Day.

These arrests in Reuven and Lenasia were part of broader efforts to dismantle internal corruption, sabotage and theft threatening the city’s electricity network.

The most alarming development occurred in the early hours of July 18, when a trade assistant, cleaner and an Expanded Public Works Programme worker were intercepted while trying to exit CP’s Reuven service delivery centre (SDC) with about 840 pieces of suspected stolen copper pipes.

These goods, with a street value of over R200 000, were concealed in boxes inside a company vehicle.

CP security officers detected the theft during a routine checkpoint inspection. The SAPS was immediately alerted and took the suspects into custody on site. All three now face criminal charges.

“It is disturbing and disappointing to find some of our staff allegedly involved in the theft of public infrastructure. These are people entrusted with safeguarding our network, yet they’ve betrayed that responsibility. We will pursue disciplinary action without fear or favour,” said CP CEO Tshifularo Mashava.

These arrests came just days after a separate high-stakes operation in Denver, where CP security personnel, the SAPS, the JMPD and private partners came under fire during a shootout with suspected infrastructure vandals. On the night of July 13, at 23:20, security teams responded to suspicious activity on 485 Main Reef Road, Denver.

Upon arrival, officers encountered criminals actively digging a 35m trench, believed to be part of a cable theft or sabotage operation. The criminals opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire under the cover of darkness.
Fortunately, there were no injuries.

A swift and co-ordinated response led to the arrest of three people, aged between 21 and 23, at the scene/ They face charges including housebreaking, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“The shootout in Denver underscores the dangerous and organised nature of these crimes. We are dealing with syndicates that are armed and unafraid to confront law enforcement. We commend the bravery of our teams and partners, and we will not relent in the fight to protect Johannesburg’s electricity infrastructure,” added Mashava.

These arrests form part of an ongoing internal clean-up campaign launched by CP in March. To date, 15 staff are undergoing disciplinary action, many of them linked to fraud, collusion with contractors and theft.

Forty-seven disciplinary cases have been processed since March 2024, including multiple suspensions and one criminal prosecution. Those implicated include electricians, security officers, team leaders and senior managers.

CP continues to urge employees, contractors and the public to come forward with any information about crimes targeting electricity infrastructure.

All tip-offs are confidential. Call the call centre on 011 490 7900, toll-free on 0800 116 166, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.