Over 120 arrested for electrical infrastructure vandalism in Johannesburg

Over 120 arrested for electrical infrastructure vandalism in Johannesburg! Johannesburg’s City Power has revealed that more than 120 people suspected of damaging or stealing electrical infrastructure have been arrested since June last year. The utility is cracking down on the growing problem of infrastructure vandalism, which has caused unscheduled power outages and significant financial losses.

Disturbingly, some of those arrested include City Power employees, highlighting the extent of the corruption affecting the utility.

City Power Battles Rising Vandalism

The recent surge in infrastructure vandalism has hit Johannesburg hard, with the city’s Central Business District (CBD) experiencing some of the worst incidents. Criminals are increasingly targeting underground tunnels, stripping power cables and tampering with electrical systems.

This has led to widespread blackouts, leaving residents and businesses in the dark. City Power has repeatedly warned that these acts of vandalism are not only disruptive but also extremely dangerous—both for the culprits and for the workers tasked with repairs.

Employees Among Those Arrested

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that some of the arrested suspects were employees of the utility. This raises serious concerns about internal corruption and the role of insiders in facilitating the theft and destruction of electrical infrastructure.

While the involvement of City Power employees is concerning, the utility has reassured the public that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to root out corruption within its ranks.

Cooperation with Communities and Law Enforcement

To tackle the issue effectively, City Power has strengthened its collaboration with community members, policing forums, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Mangena emphasized that community involvement has been critical in apprehending culprits, as residents are often the first to notice suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

“So we’ve arrested a lot of those because of some of the measures that we’ve put in place in terms of our security to ensure that we have not only the boots on the ground but also technology but also intelligence internally and externally, and that is really encouraging for us,” Mangena stated.

City Power has deployed a multi-pronged security approach that includes physical patrols, surveillance technology, and intelligence gathering to track down those responsible for the ongoing vandalism and theft.

The Dangers of Infrastructure Theft

Stealing electrical infrastructure is not just a criminal offense—it also endangers lives. City Power has reported that some suspects have been killed or seriously injured while attempting to steal or damage high-voltage cables.

Additionally, these criminal acts put City Power personnel at risk. Workers often have to enter dangerous environments to repair the damage, sometimes facing armed criminals who are determined to protect their illegal activities.

In some cases, security personnel have been attacked while on duty. According to Mangena, there have even been shootouts between security teams and criminals in underground tunnels.

The Economic Impact of Cable Theft

Cable theft and infrastructure vandalism are costing Johannesburg millions of rands each year. The constant need for repairs and replacements drains City Power’s resources, which could have been used to upgrade and improve the city’s electrical grid.

Businesses in the CBD and surrounding areas have also suffered significant losses due to power outages, with some having to shut down temporarily as a result.

Stronger Measures Needed to Combat the Crisis

City Power has called for harsher penalties for those caught vandalizing or stealing infrastructure. While arrests have increased, the concern remains that some criminals return to the streets too quickly, allowing them to re-offend.

The utility is advocating for:

• Stronger legal action against cable thieves
• More visible policing in high-risk areas
• Increased security presence in underground tunnels
• Public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers and consequences of infrastructure vandalism

Hope for a Safer, More Secure Power Grid

Despite the challenges, City Power remains optimistic that its efforts to combat vandalism will eventually yield positive results. By combining technology, intelligence, and community cooperation, the utility hopes to create a safer, more stable power supply for Johannesburg residents.

For now, the arrest of over 120 suspects is a step in the right direction, but the fight to protect Johannesburg’s electrical infrastructure is far from over.