City Power issues warning to organised crime groups stealing, vandalising crucial infrastructure

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg City Power has issued a stern warning to organised crime groups stealing and vandalising crucial infrastructure in areas around the city.

The power utility said it's making headway in efforts to dismantle what appears to be the work of coordinated organised crime groups.

It said that between March and August, at least 28 cases of theft and vandalism were recorded, with some of the incidents occurring within days of repairs being completed.

Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the brazen nature of the crimes is not only plunging communities into prolonged darkness but is also inflicting severe financial strain on the utility.

"Replacing vandalised transformers and other high voltage equipment can cost anything between R800,000 to R1.2 million per unit. We are working closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service], the private security companies and even our internal security to track down the perpetrators, which may include some of our employees or even some of our contractors."