City Power alarmed by repeat offender’s rearrest for infrastructure damage

City Power is deeply concerned by the disturbing rearrest of a 55-year-old man from Booysens Squatter Camp, who was once again apprehended attempting to sabotage Johannesburg’s vital power infrastructure inside the city’s underground tunnels.

The suspect was caught on March 29, at the Fordsburg Substation tunnel precisely the same location where he was arrested previously in October 2024 for committing the same offence.

The fact that he was found with the same tools hacksaw, blades, and freshly cut copper cables, underscores the ongoing challenge faced by City Power in the fight against cable theft.

The suspect was with three other individuals, although they managed to evade arrest and flee the scene.

This repeat offence is particularly alarming given that the same individual had been arrested for similar activities just a few months earlier, in October 2024, and was released under unknown circumstances, only to resume his criminal behaviour.

This rapid cycle of arrest and release without sufficient legal follow-through highlights a critical gap in addressing repeat offenders and raises significant concerns about the efficacy of the current justice process.

City Power’s general manager in the public relations and communication department, Isaac Mangena said preliminary investigation revealed that in the period leading up to his most recent arrest, the suspect was in frequent communication with certain individuals, including someone identified as a police officer shortly before entering the tunnels.

This raises important questions regarding possible collusion and calls for a more thorough investigation into how criminal syndicates operate, potentially with inside assistance. City Power takes this matter seriously and will be in contact with senior authorities within SAPS to request a full investigation into the police officer implicated in aiding cable theft and protecting criminals.

Law enforcement vital in fighting cable theft

City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and City Power to ensure that offenders are held fully accountable for their actions.

“While we sincerely appreciate the efforts of the police and the NPA in tackling infrastructure crimes, we must express our growing concern over the release of repeat offenders under unclear circumstances.

“We believe there is an urgent need for a stronger and more coordinated approach to ensure that those responsible for targeting our critical infrastructure face appropriate legal consequences,” Mashava said.

City Power has implemented a comprehensive security strategy to prevent and respond to cable theft, including increased patrols, surveillance, and rapid response teams that act upon intelligence reports.

However, once an arrest is made, the legal process falls outside City Power’s control, as cases are handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation and prosecution.

Upon apprehending suspects, City Power’s security teams follow strict procedures by securing the crime scene, collecting initial evidence, and alerting law enforcement. SAPS then takes over the case, ensuring suspects are booked and legal processes are followed.

The responsibility of prosecution in ensuring that bail conditions are stringent falls on the police and the NPA. Despite these efforts, the release of repeat offenders without sufficient deterrence remains a significant challenge, one that requires urgent intervention from the justice system.

The situation is exacerbated by the growing pattern where infrastructure crime cases are not progressing as expected. City Power has seen delays in investigations, challenges in communication with law enforcement, and instances where bail applications are not opposed with the necessary vigour.

There have also been cases where criminals found guilty of cable theft and other crimes related to essential infrastructure were released on suspended sentences. Such gaps in the system create opportunities for repeat offenders to continue committing the same crimes, putting Johannesburg’s power infrastructure and the public at further risk.

In the current financial year, City Power has worked alongside law enforcement and arrested 306 suspects linked to cable theft and vandalism.

During the same period, 21 suspects were successfully prosecuted and sentenced to a cumulative 186 years imprisonment.

However, many of the arrested individuals are released mysteriously and return to their criminal activities. This has placed a significant financial burden on the city, as stolen infrastructure costs City Power millions in repairs and causes prolonged power outages that disrupt businesses, essential services, and daily life.

The utility is now formally petitioning the leadership of law enforcement agencies and the NPA to review cases where suspects have been released under questionable circumstances and to ensure that future cases are handled with the urgency they deserve.

“We urge law enforcement and the NPA to strengthen their efforts in prosecuting repeat offenders and work more closely with City Power to ensure these cases are pursued to their fullest extent. We must work together to protect Johannesburg’s infrastructure and the safety of its residents,” Mashava added.

Mangena noted that City Power remains committed to strengthening its security measures, enhancing collaboration with businesses, and continuing its partnership with law enforcement agencies to combat cable theft.

However, the scale of the issue requires a collective effort from all parties, including the justice system, to ensure that those who threaten the stability of Johannesburg’s power supply are held fully accountable.

“The cost of inaction is too high. City Power urges all stakeholders, law enforcement, prosecutors, businesses, and communities to stay vigilant and work together to secure the city’s power infrastructure. Only through decisive action and greater collaboration can we stop the criminals targeting Johannesburg’s power network and safeguard the future of the city’s electricity supply.

“City Power is also calling on the public to assist by reporting any suspicious activities near power infrastructure. Residents can call the City Power security hotline to submit anonymous tips that can help law enforcement prevent further acts of sabotage,” he said.