CITY POWER RECORDS 19 INFRASTRUCTURE-RELATED INCIDENTS IN ONE WEEKEND WHILE COMMENDS JACKSON SQUATTER CAMP RESIDENTS FOR SUPPORTING FIGHT AGAINST ELECTRICITY THEFT

City Power is gravely concerned over the alarming increase in infrastructure-related crime after recording 19 security incidents across Johannesburg between 17 and 20 July 2026.

The incidents, which included cable theft, attempted theft, vandalism, infrastructure fires and community-related disturbances, have once again highlighted the devastating financial and operational impact that criminal activities continue to have on the city’s electricity network.

While the weekend was characterised by widespread criminality, one operation at Jackson Squatter Camp demonstrated the positive role communities can play in protecting public infrastructure. During a joint law enforcement operation, residents cooperated with officials, leading to the confiscation of 45 metres of aluminium cable used for illegal electricity connections. The recovered cable was handed over to City Power’s Reuven Service Delivery Centre (SDC).

City Power commends the residents of Jackson Squatter Camp for cooperating with law enforcement during the operation. Their conduct demonstrates that communities are critical partners in the fight against electricity theft, illegal connections and vandalism, which continue to undermine service delivery and place lives at risk.
Of the 19 incidents recorded during the reporting period, eight involved confirmed cable theft, while two attempted thefts were reported in Newlands and Ferndale where stolen cable was abandoned before suspects could remove it.

In Marshalltown, three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested while allegedly stealing underground copper cable beneath Bree Street. The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.
The financial implications of these infrastructure crimes remain severe. Preliminary assessments estimate losses of more than R311,141.80 from only five incidents involving stolen copper cable in Ormonde, Nancefield, Randburg, Jeppestown and Kliptown.

The value of losses arising from the remaining 14 incidents is still being quantified, including the theft of approximately 400 metres of copper cable in Jeppestown, the largest single cable theft recorded over the weekend. The total financial impact is therefore expected to increase significantly.
The reporting period also included two mini substation fires in Winchester and Sydenham, both of which remain under investigation. Community-related incidents were recorded in Regents Park and Alexandra, where City Power officials, law enforcement agencies and community representatives engaged to resolve concerns without injuries or further escalation.

Infrastructure crime continues to drain resources that would otherwise be invested in maintaining and strengthening Johannesburg’s electricity network. Every act of cable theft and vandalism delays restoration efforts, compromises public safety and places an unnecessary financial burden on the utility and its customers.
City Power appeals to all residents to continue working with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities to our Security Risk Management Department on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911, or 011 490 7553, or use the WhatsApp-only line on 083 579 4497.

The cooperation demonstrated by residents of Jackson Squatter Camp serves as a reminder that protecting critical infrastructure is a shared responsibility and that meaningful partnerships between communities and authorities remain essential in safeguarding Johannesburg’s electricity network.