A manhunt is on for eleven armed suspects, connected to recent violent incidents at the Midrand and Alexandra Service Delivery Centres (SDCs) on 7 and 9 February 2025.
A shootout ensued between law enforcement and these suspects near the Fordsburg Substation in the inner city early on Monday morning, the 24th February 2025.
City Power said this incident, highlights the growing threat posed by cable theft syndicates.
Isaac Mangena, Spokesperson of City Power, said it was in fact the suspects who fired shots first.
Security called the police, after it was found that suspects were using a hacksaw and guards actually saw the telltale glimmer of flashlights in the dark underground passages at the Fordsburg Substation.
He said police did not arrive on the scene, but later, the guards caught up with them on the Main Reef Bridge.
“A fierce gun battle erupted when the police engaged a large group of suspects hiding behind an abandoned building. As the exchange of fire intensified, the police retreated to the station to collect additional ammunition and rifles. By the time they returned at 01:30, the suspects had disappeared. No arrests or injuries were reported” said Mangena.
The suspects are believed to also be connected to recent violent incidents at the Midrand and Alexandra Service Delivery Centres (SDCs) on 7 and 9 February 2025.