Preliminary investigations indicate cable theft, vandalism may have caused M1 fire - City Power

JOHANNESBURG - City Power has deployed technicians to the site of a fire under the M1 bridge in Braamfontein.

The blaze has resulted in a major power outage affecting several areas, including Parktown West, Newtown Junction, De Korte North and surrounding areas.

The entity said its preliminary investigations indicated that cable theft and vandalism may have led to the fire.

Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said: "The fire could have been caused by yet another incident of suspected cable theft and vandalism due to criminality of zama zamas operating in our inner city tunnel and this poses a serious threat to the critical infrastructure".

Meanwhile, motorists are being urged to avoid the M1 in Braamfontein due to the fire.