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The Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) warns residents of Johannesburg to immediately stop tampering with City Power infrastructure. Disaster struck on Wednesday in Crosby when a resident attempted to restore power to a tripped substation and was electrocuted in the process. We wish a speedy recovery to the resident on his injuries.

“Frustration is justified when faced with lengthy power outages due to failing infrastructure or cable theft. But it must never be the reason for individuals to gain access into City Power facilities and try to restore power themselves. It is highly dangerous and may cause more damage to the infrastructures and result in longer outages,” MMC for EISD Cllr. Michael Sun said. 

The Crosby substation in question tripped as a result of overloading from illegal connections to the Slovo Park informal settlement. City Power technical teams are working around the clock to restore power to all communities experiencing outages due to technical faults, illegal connections and cable theft. The entity is also working with JMPD to ensure that illegal connections are sustainably removed to prevent overloading on the grid.

“We are appealing for patience and for residents to work with City Power in arresting the power crisis Johannesburg is facing. Technicians are working around the clock to deal with faults on our aged infrastructure network that is also under daily attack by cable thieves,” MMC for EISD Cllr. Michael Sun said.

“Residents should report outages immediately to City Power so that teams may be dispatched as soon as possible. Moreover, when residents suspect or witness illegal connections or cable theft, they should report it immediately too.”

Operations to ensure cable thieves are not only arrested but face stiff jail sentences for stealing and destroying infrastructure is beginning to bear fruit. This week a cable theft was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being arrested for cable theft in September, 2021. 

“This was only possible through the determination and collaboration of local residents and the Community Policing Forum,” said Sergeant Thela, City Power GM: Security.

“City Power has several hotlines and a WhatsApp number where residents can call the alarm on cable theft. Even if we have the smallest piece of evidence, we will be able to use this to put cable thieves behind bars where belong.” 

City Power is also appealing for any information relating to the attempted theft of an entire substation’s infrastructure in Timber Street, Manufacta on Wednesday morning. Thieves could not make away with any loot but destroyed both transformer systems in the process causing almost R1m in damages.

EISD appeals to anybody who has information that could be used in bringing these assailants to justice to contact City Power’s hotlines.

To report outages log onto: https://cp.forcelink.net/forcelink/customportal/cp_mdt/customerportal.html#

City Power 24/7 Cable Theft Hotlines: 

011-490-7553 or 011-490-7911

083-579-4497 (Whatsapp)

Issued by MMC: Environment and Infrastructure Services Department Michael Sun