Six Arrested in Fordsburg for Copper Cable Theft Linked to City Power Contractor

In a bold intelligence-led operation on Reconciliation Day, six men were arrested in Fordsburg after allegedly cutting an underground copper cable while posing as legitimate contractors. The arrests, made during heightened patrols along Central and Main Reef Roads, highlight the growing challenge of cable theft and infrastructure sabotage in Johannesburg’s inner city.

Caught Red-Handed

City Power confirmed that the group was intercepted by its Armed Response Unit while “actively cutting underground copper cable.” When asked to produce authorization for the work, the suspects presented documents that only permitted pavement reinstatementfar from permission to trench or remove electrical infrastructure.

Inspectors found that nearly 25 metres of 185mm three-core cable had already been cut, along with tools commonly used in sabotage, including cutters and digging equipment.

“This wasn’t just opportunistic theft,” City Power said. “The suspects were operating under the cover of a legitimate contractor assignment, making it even more concerning.”

A Repeat Offence

Alarmingly, the same contractor had been intercepted at the exact site just a week earlier, on 8 December 2025, with stolen copper recovered and secured. Despite prior intervention, the suspects returned, brazenly attempting to repeat the crime.

The six arrested men, aged between 18 and 54, include four foreign nationals and two South Africans. They now face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and theft.

Since July 2025, City Power has recorded 142 arrests related to infrastructure-related crimes, with additional cases still under investigation.

A Growing Threat to Public Safety

City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava condemned the criminal activity as a “gross violation of trust” and a direct threat to service delivery and public safety.

“Criminality disguised as legitimate work undermines both the community and our ability to provide reliable electricity. These arrests show that our turnaround strategyaimed at reducing energy losses from theft, vandalism, and illegal connectionsis working,” Mashava said.

Measures and Public Vigilance

To combat rising incidents of cable theft, City Power has strengthened security measures, including:

• Expanded armed patrols in high-risk areas.

• Stricter verification of work orders and wayleaves.

• Enhanced oversight of contractors and subcontractors.

• Close coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Contractors found complicit in criminal activity face immediate blacklisting, contract termination, civil recovery actions, and criminal prosecution.

City Power also urged residents to report suspicious activity related to electricity infrastructure via 011 490 7900, emphasizing that community vigilance is a crucial part of protecting the city’s power network.

The six suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday, 18 December 2025, marking the latest chapter in Johannesburg’s ongoing battle against cable theft and infrastructure crime.