City Power confirmed there were 19 counts of electricity violation incidents in Johannesburg over the weekend, between 17 and 20 July 2026.
These include cable theft, attempted theft, vandalism, infrastructure fires and community-related disturbances.
One of the 19, includes the confiscation of a 45 -metre aluminium cable, used for illegal electricity connections, at Jackson Squatter Camp.
Others are cases of theft, where eight people were arrested for stealing cables, two tried to do the same in Newlands and Ferndale.
In Marshalltown, three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested while allegedly stealing an underground copper cable at Bree Street. The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.
Two mini substation caught fire in Winchester and Sydenham, both cases are under investigation.
More incidents included community unrest at Regents Park and Alexandra, where City Power officials, law enforcement agencies and community representatives engaged to resolve concerns without injuries or further escalation.
“Infrastructure crime continues to drain resources that would otherwise be invested in maintaining and strengthening Johannesburg’s electricity network. Every act of cable theft and vandalism delays restoration efforts, compromises public safety and places an unnecessary financial burden on the utility and its customers” said Mangena.
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