Cable thieves arrested after shootout at Joburg substation! Two alleged cable thieves were arrested after an attempted robbery at the Bellevue substation in Observatory, Johannesburg. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday night, highlights the growing problem of cable theft targeting critical infrastructure.
According to City Power, the local electricity utility, the suspects attempted to tamper with equipment and steal valuable copper cables, posing both operational and safety risks to the community.
Attempted Robbery Foiled by Quick Response
The attempted robbery unfolded when two security guards, who were patrolling the substation, were overpowered and tied up by a group of seven armed men. Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, explained that the guards were forced to lie face down and had no way to call for help.
However, when the guards failed to check in as scheduled, City Power’s control room noticed the silence and acted swiftly. A response team was sent to the substation, and upon arrival, they discovered the assailants in the process of stealing a 52-meter three-core copper cable left on-site by contractors.
The response team faced an immediate threat, as the suspects opened fire, leading to a gunfight. Fortunately, City Power’s team managed to repel the attackers, capturing two suspects, aged 38 and 50.
The other five suspects fled the scene. Following the arrests, the stolen copper cable was traced and recovered from a salvage yard in Reuven.
The detained suspects are now facing charges including tampering with essential infrastructure, robbery, and attempted murder, and they are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Increasing Attacks on City Power Staff and Infrastructure
This incident is part of an alarming trend of attacks targeting City Power staff and infrastructure. Mangena emphasized that these thefts and attacks are often violent and endanger the lives of City Power employees.
Cable theft has severe repercussions, disrupting electricity supply and resulting in costly repairs. Mangena highlighted the company’s commitment to staff safety, working closely with law enforcement to deter future incidents.
“We reiterate our commitment to the safety and security of all our staff and operations,” Mangena stated. He stressed that City Power will continue its collaboration with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators face full legal consequences.
However, the scale of the problem reflects a broader security challenge that affects both employees and service delivery.
Other Recent Incidents Highlight Safety Concerns
The Bellevue substation incident is not an isolated case. On October 28, two City Power contractors conducting a meter audit in Alexandra were held hostage by local tenants despite showing their professional credentials.
The contractors were locked inside the property and subjected to an ordeal that Mangena described as “harrowing.” Though eventually released unharmed, the situation raised serious concerns about the safety of City Power personnel.
Only days after this incident, City Power temporarily withdrew technicians repairing an electricity pole in Alexandra after two electricians were robbed at gunpoint while sitting in a stationary vehicle.
Mangena recounted that four unidentified men approached the electricians, robbing them of their personal belongings, including cell phones and wallets, before fleeing the scene.
These incidents exemplify the dangers City Power staff face on a regular basis. Mangena confirmed that there have been 18 documented violent incidents in 2024 alone.
These crimes hinder essential repair and maintenance work, delaying the resolution of power issues for local communities.
Service Disruptions Due to Theft and Vandalism
City Power’s CEO, Tshifularo Mashava, voiced strong condemnation for these attacks. She emphasized that violence against City Power staff not only endangers employees but also prolongs service disruptions.
“These attacks on our staff are utterly unacceptable,” she said. “We cannot continue to operate in an environment where our employees’ safety is constantly at risk.”
Service disruptions caused by cable theft and attacks on staff compromise the quality of life for Johannesburg residents who rely on stable electricity.
Cable thefts are especially damaging because they affect entire neighborhoods, leading to blackouts that can last for hours or even days, depending on the extent of the damage and availability of repair resources.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement to Tackle Crime
City Power is increasingly working with law enforcement agencies to mitigate these risks. In addition to responding to theft incidents, City Power is taking preventive measures to improve infrastructure security, such as deploying response teams and reinforcing security protocols around substations.
However, as cable theft remains lucrative in black markets, the utility recognizes that these efforts require sustained vigilance and community cooperation.
In conclusion, the arrest of the alleged cable thieves in Observatory reflects the challenges that City Power faces in protecting its infrastructure and staff.
As Johannesburg battles increasing incidents of cable theft, both City Power and local authorities remain committed to cracking down on such crimes to ensure reliable service for residents.
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