City Power cuts off all electricity supply to Alexandra's Riverpark community

JOHANNESBURG - City Power has cut off all electricity supply to the Riverpark community in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

The power utility said the move followed clashes with residents during a meter audit and disconnection operation in the area.

On Wednesday, residents marched to its offices in Bramley, claiming power was unfairly cut off to the area and without any consultation.

Yesterday, the utility targeted 470 households that it said have no recorded electricity purchases and 367 customers with low vending patterns, which it said is indicative of meter tampering.

READ: City Power threatens to disconnect some Alexandra residents

“This action comes after numerous engagements and warnings regarding illegal connections and meter tampering in the area. However, those warnings have been met with contempt,” said spokesperson Isaac Mangena.

“Our teams were met with hostility when they arrived in the area. Roads were barricaded with debris and our staff were also threatened, obstructed and nearly held hostage by the residents.”

However, the residents disputed this, as spokesperson George Moloi explained.

“There was no vandalism. Everybody was calm. Everybody was actually chanting outside the gate. There were no fights, there was no burning of tyres. We need City Power to respect us, the residents of Riverpark.”