City Power records increase in cases of theft, vandalism of infrastructure since start of 2024
City Power said there were over 200 recorded cases of infrastructure vandalism in Johannesburg since January.
A Randburg substation target by vandals and stripped of its components, leaving households in the dark days. Picture: Veronica Makhoali/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - City Power said there was an increase in the number of theft and vandalism of infrastructure in the city since the beginning of 2024.
The utility said over the weekend, it recorded 14 cases of vandalism that left some areas without electricity.
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It said there were over 200 similar cases since January, which resulted in the utility having less equipment than needed to fix power outages.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said: "While City Power continues to work hard on increasing its security, including collaborating with various stakeholders and deploying the latest technology to help curb the crime, we still need the help of residents to effectively fight the scourge of cable theft and vandalism, especially because it happens within their communities."