City Power has called for urgent intervention from the SANDF and SAPS top brass as coordinated sabotage, vandalism and cable theft push Johannesburg’s electricity grid to the brink.
The plea follows a major attack on Braamfontein Substation on Tuesday that cut supply to Braamfontein, Parktown, Parktown West, Wits University and surrounds – the second time in two weeks the strategic facility has been hit.
According to spokesperson Isaac Mangena, smoke was seen coming from the substation, forcing an emergency isolation as a precaution. Emergency Management Services confirmed there was no active fire and declared the site safe for technicians.
What teams found inside was extensive damage.
“An inspection of the substation and its underground tunnels uncovered extensive vandalism of electrical infrastructure and the theft of medium-voltage cables,” Mangena said.
“Teams isolated the damaged equipment to prevent further damage and protect employees and members of the public.”
Mangena said protection and technical teams conducted checks and tests before restoring supply to most customers, but parts of Smit Street remain without power while stolen equipment is replaced.
“Repairs are continuing in parts of Smit Street. Supply will be restored once the outstanding work and necessary safety checks are complete,” he said.
The Braamfontein attack is not isolated. Mangena revealed the substation was vandalised twice two weeks ago while teams were working at Central Substation. In one incident, suspects exchanged gunfire with City Power security.
City Power says the pattern is now a full-blown crisis that its own security can no longer contain.
“City Power is deeply concerned about the escalating scourge of theft, vandalism and sabotage targeting substations and other critical electricity infrastructure,” Mangena said.
“The scale and frequency of these attacks are undermining restoration efforts, disrupting essential services and placing communities, businesses and employees at risk.”
The utility has formally written to the Department of Defence, the National Commissioner of the SAPS and the Provincial Commissioner for support.
“The situation has become so serious that City Power has called on the Department of Defence, the National Commissioner and the Provincial Commissioner to assist,” Mangena said.
“These calls reflect the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect electricity infrastructure and confront the criminals responsible.”
Mangena said repeated attacks are diverting resources from maintenance and upgrades to endless emergency repairs, with newly repaired infrastructure vandalised again within days.
He called for intelligence-led investigations to dismantle syndicates and trace buyers of stolen copper and electrical components.
“City Power calls for stronger intelligence-led investigations, coordinated security interventions and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible,” he said. “Investigations must also establish the extent of any organised involvement and identify those who purchase or trade in stolen components.”
“Protecting the electricity network requires sustained cooperation between law enforcement, City Power, communities and businesses,” Mangena said.
