Princess informal settlement residents say they won't retaliate against City Power technicians for disconnecting power

JOHANNESBURG - Recently disconnected residents of the Princess informal settlement in Roodepoort said they would not retaliate against City Power technicians.

The utility is currently removing illegal electrical connections in the area.

In the past, similar efforts were met with violent resistance.

City Power said it had implemented a safety plan to protect its workers during the operation.

With backup from law enforcement, including the SAPS, JMPD, and Gauteng traffic police, technicians removed hundreds of makeshift wires tapped into the grid.

For residents, this was nothing new. They said they’ve never had a reliable power supply.

Resident Sipho Ndaba described the community’s frustration.

"Okay, so now that you’ve cut the power off, what should we do? Where should we apply? Help us."

For now, the operation continues peacefully, with no reports of violence or tension.