Zama-Zamas Suspected in Braamfontein Fire That Disrupted Joburg Power

A fire near the M1 South in Braamfontein on Thursday morning led to major power outages across key areas in Johannesburg and reignited concerns about rampant cable theft in the city’s inner core.

The blaze, which began under a bridge near the Double Decker route, disrupted power supply to several neighbourhoods, including Braamfontein, Parktown West, Newtown Junction, De Korte North, and Smith West.

The cause of the fire is subject to investigation. Once the firefighters have conducted an assessment along the M1 double decker underground tunnel and the area is safe, the scene will be handed over to @CityPowerJhb to conduct their own investigation. @CityofJoburgZA pic.twitter.com/YqJdv8r5e6

— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 1, 2025

Johannesburg City Power said the incident was likely caused by another cable theft and vandalism attack, a pattern linked to zama-zamas—heavily armed illegal miners operating in underground tunnels across the city.

“The cables damaged by the fire connect the Braamfontein and Fordsburg substations, both crucial for power distribution in Johannesburg,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.

Johannesburg Emergency Services responded swiftly and managed to put out the fire, which had also affected two lanes of the M1 highway. Crews were still on site in the afternoon, damping down hotspots and ventilating tunnels filled with smoke to make the area safe.

The Underground fire reported this morning @CityofJoburgZA along M1 South has been extinguished, right now we are conducting Dumping Down extinguishing the hot spots, the incident will be handed over to @CityPowerJhb to conduct their own assessments. @CoJPublicSafety (RM) pic.twitter.com/pBVqJUCKJf

— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 1, 2025

Once the scene is declared secure, City Power technicians will begin damage assessment and repair work. Until then, electricity remains down in affected areas, with residents urged to be patient.

“This is not an isolated event,” said Mangena. “We saw a similar major fire in Braamfontein last year, and multiple smaller incidents have followed, all caused by sabotage and theft.”

City Power said it would begin back-feeding power where possible to limit the disruption.

Mangena repeated the city’s appeal for greater police intervention. “These criminal acts are endangering lives and crippling our ability to deliver reliable power. We need sustained law enforcement to deal with this.”

Motorists were also advised to use alternative routes while emergency crews cleared the highway.

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Sourced:eNCA

Picture: City Of Joburg Ems