Johannesburg City Power has raised concerns over the escalating vandalism in underground tunnels, which has led to frequent and unscheduled power outages across the city. The utility has warned that criminals living in these tunnels are targeting critical power infrastructure, including high-value copper cables, further exacerbating Johannesburg’s electricity woes.
The Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas have been particularly affected, with repeated incidents of cable theft leaving residents and businesses without power for extended periods.
Underground Criminal Activity
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena revealed that these underground tunnels have become a haven for criminals, some of whom have taken up permanent residence within the city’s power infrastructure.
“The culprits not only steal cables but also pose a significant risk to our personnel who have to repair the damage,” said Mangena.
The situation has worsened in recent months, with Johannesburg experiencing a sharp increase in cable theft incidents, further burdening an already struggling electricity network.
Violence Against City Power Personnel
Apart from the financial losses and operational setbacks, City Power teams responding to outages have also encountered life-threatening dangers.
Mangena confirmed that security personnel and technicians have come under attack from criminals operating within the tunnels.
“There have been some shootouts in the past, and we have repeatedly highlighted the dangers that our teams face when responding to outages in these areas,” he explained.
He recalled a recent violent encounter where two suspected cable thieves were shot in an altercation with City Power’s security personnel. Unfortunately, one security officer was critically injured during the incident.
Impact on Businesses and Residents
The repeated power outages caused by vandalism and theft have had a devastating impact on Johannesburg’s economy. Small businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants in the CBD have suffered financial losses, with some forced to close their doors due to prolonged blackouts.
Residents have also expressed frustration, as frequent outages affect their daily lives, impacting everything from home appliances to security systems.
Local business owner Thabo Mhlongo, who runs a small printing shop in the CBD, lamented the constant disruptions caused by power failures.
“We lose customers every time there’s an outage. We rely on electricity to operate printers, computers, and other equipment. It’s becoming impossible to run a business in this city,” Mhlongo said.
City Power’s Response and Security Measures
In response to the growing crisis, City Power has stepped up security measures to protect key infrastructure. The utility has deployed security teams, increased patrols in hotspot areas, and installed surveillance equipment to monitor underground tunnels.
Mangena stressed that the utility is working closely with law enforcement agencies to crack down on cable thieves and syndicates that profit from stolen infrastructure.
“We are working with the police and private security companies to track down those responsible for these crimes. We urge the community to report any suspicious activity near power infrastructure,” he added.
A Worsening Problem
Cable theft and infrastructure vandalism are not new issues in Johannesburg, but the sophistication and frequency of these crimes have escalated. Criminals melt stolen copper cables and sell them on the black market, making millions of rands at the expense of ordinary citizens and businesses.
City Power continues to call for stricter laws and harsher penalties to combat cable theft, urging authorities to treat it as a serious economic crime.
For now, however, Johannesburg residents will have to brace themselves for more disruptions as City Power fights to keep the lights on in the face of relentless vandalism and crime.
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