6 City Power contractors arrested for cable theft

JOHANNESBURG - Six workers employed by a City Power contractor have been arrested while in possession of suspected stolen cables.

The group was apprehended at the Observatory substation in the inner city.

This was during a routine site inspection to verify the removal of all burnt cables damaged in the underground fire last week.

READ: City Power recovers illegal & stolen cables worth about R500,000 from Princess informal settlement 

City Power said some of the suspects were found cutting and stripping the cables.

While others were found with cables hidden in their bags and shoes 

"This arrest marks a significant stand in City Power's ongoing efforts to combat theft and arson and also vandalism and damaging of vital electricity infrastructure. The damage caused by such criminal activity poses a severe threat to safety and security and also the stability of essential services in the region," said City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena.