Mongezi Koko16 April 2025 | 9:30

City Power officials again zeroing in on illegal connections in Alexandra

Illegal connections remain a major challenge for the power utility, which is already battling soaring demand from residents and businesses, infrastructure damage, and cable theft.

City Power officials again zeroing in on illegal connections in Alexandra

City Power’s disconnection drive in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, on 16 April 2025. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN

JOHANNESBURG - City Power officials are again zeroing in on illegal connections in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, in another bid to stabilise the city’s electricity grid.

Illegal connections remain a major challenge for the power utility, which is already battling soaring demand from residents and businesses, infrastructure damage, and cable theft.

The latest drive is part of City Power’s regular cut-off operations in a bid to protect its grid and guarantee supply to paying customers.

While necessary to protect the system, the cut-off operations pose serious safety risks, both to technicians and residents benefiting from illegal connections.

Earlier, disgruntled residents hurled insults as technicians removed power sources that many believe they’re entitled to.

Although the situation remains calm for now, tensions are palpable.

Thanks to the rampant criminality in the area, a stronger presence of law enforcement has been necessary, including dozens of South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) members, and Gauteng crime wardens.