City of uMhlathuze electricity infrastructure again hit by vandalism

uMhlathuze Municipality maintains sabotage claims as another substation is hit by vandalism in Richards Bay

March 25, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

Multiple substations have been vandalised across the city in recent weeks PHOTO: Supplied

Arboretum residents were once again left without power for hours on Wednesday after a substation in Richards Bay was reportedly vandalised.

While electricity has since been restored to the affected residents of Ward 3, the municipality has again condemned the destruction at its Aquila substation, labelling it a continued act of sabotage.

This follows similar incidents in Empangeni a few weeks ago.

City Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has called on residents to be the municipality’s eyes and ears, and report any suspicious activity to ensure those responsible for the ‘senseless and barbaric’ acts are brought to book.

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WATCH: City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has condemned the increasing number of attacks to the city’s electricity infrastructure. Here Ngwezi is speaking at the sidelines of the recent Energy Indaba held in Empangeni.
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