Residents of the informal settlement of Kanana and the Klipfontein area in Midrand were left without electricity after City Power severed illegal connections and seized cables and transformers valued at approximately 2.5 million rand.
The operation took place on October 12. During it, City Power dismantled about a ton of cables worth approximately 500,000 rand and seized two transformers with an estimated total value of 2 million rand.
The operation was carried out with the support of the South African Police Service Rabie Ridge (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and City Power staff.
Illegal connections disrupt power supply
A City Power representative, Isaac Mangena, stated that such illegal connections have repeatedly led to power outages for customers in the areas of Rabie Ridge Extensions 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Mangena reported that in Kanana, their teams discovered a 6.6 kVA transformer placed inside a shack and connected to an extensive network of illegally installed cables. The teams dismantled the unauthorized cables and cut off the power supply.
Despite residents' claims of purchasing the transformer, Mangena emphasized that its installation did not comply with approved procedures and safety standards.
Organized network supports illegal access
Mangena added that the teams continued searching, tracing a medium-voltage cable through the settlement until they found a transformer mounted on a pole on Hlangananani Street. This transformer was located deep within residential buildings, making it vulnerable to further illegal connections.
The teams switched off the medium-voltage fuses to ensure equipment safety and prevent further unauthorized use. During the operation, residents, who were warned about the presence of the teams, managed to dismantle one transformer before officials could switch it off and seize it.
Mangena noted: 'This deliberate action confirms that the individuals involved are acting as an organized network actively seeking to maintain illegal access and evade law enforcement.'
Forced entry into mini-substation
In the Klipfontein View area, on Oliver Tambo and Nancy Ndamashe streets, City Power staff discovered that people had forcibly broken into a mini-substation after removing reinforced locks previously installed by the energy company and illegally connected to the grid. City Power staff dismantled three switches from the mini-substation, disconnected the illegal connections, and a case was filed with the Rabie Ridge police regarding the forceful intrusion.
City Power warns of further action
Mangena stated that the utility intends to continue fighting organized criminal operations that damage the power supply infrastructure, overload the network, and deprive paying customers of reliable supply.
He added: 'We will continue intensive compliance operations to eliminate illegal connections, protect the system, and ensure that power is supplied only to those who pay for electricity.' Mangena concluded that 'anyone involved in unauthorized connections or tampering with our equipment will face further measures and possible legal prosecution.'