City Power has expressed concerns over a possible organised syndicate targeting electrical infrastructure in Roodepoort, South Africa. The utility company reported that two unauthorised individuals entered a substation in Fleurhof and set it on fire on Saturday. This incident follows a series of vandalism cases in the area, with 16 mini substations affected between January and June.
According to City Power, the vandalism has resulted in significant replacement costs of over R12 million. The company is appealing to the public for information or CCTV footage that could help identify the perpetrators. They have provided contact numbers for SAPS or City Power security. The spokesperson, Isaac Mangemna, has called on the police to investigate a possible link between the attacks on infrastructure and criminal syndicates.
Preliminary investigations into the Fleurhof attack revealed that a man bought R70 worth of petrol at a nearby garage and walked in the direction of the substation. City Power has written to the Gauteng police commissioner and approached the Defence Department about suspected sabotage and crimes against the state. The company has been warning about suspected sabotage across Johannesburg.
The recent incidents have raised concerns about the security of electrical infrastructure in the area. City Power is working to restore power to the affected areas but has not provided a specific timeline for restoration. The company is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying the perpetrators.
This is not an isolated incident, as there have been reports of protests and vandalism in other parts of South Africa. In Durban, 19 suspects were arrested following protests, and anti-illegal immigration protesters have vowed to make Durban ungovernable. The country is experiencing a period of heightened tensions and unrest.
City Power's concerns about organised syndicates targeting infrastructure are not unfounded. The company has been monitoring the situation and has taken steps to address the issue. They are working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The investigation into the Fleurhof attack is ongoing, and City Power is appealing for the public's assistance. The company is committed to providing reliable and efficient services to its customers and is working to prevent future incidents of vandalism and sabotage.
Key points
- City Power suspects an organised syndicate is behind the recent vandalism of electrical infrastructure in Roodepoort, South Africa.
- The vandalism has resulted in significant replacement costs of over R12 million and has affected 16 mini substations in the area.
- City Power is appealing to the public for information or CCTV footage that could help identify the perpetrators and is working closely with law enforcement agencies to address the issue.
