City Power recovers R2.5m in equipment during Midrand electricity crackdown

An operation targeting illegal electricity connections in Midrand has resulted in the recovery of cables and transformers worth an estimated R2.5 million, leaving residents in parts of the area without electricity.

City Power carried out the operation on October 12 in Kanana informal settlement and Klipfontein, removing approximately one tonne of cables valued at R500,000 and recovering two transformers estimated to be worth a combined R2 million.

The operation involved City Power officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Rabie Ridge and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

According to the electricity utility, illegal connections in the affected areas have repeatedly disrupted supply to customers in Rabie Ridge Extensions 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Transformer found inside a shack

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said officials discovered a 6.6 kVA transformer inside a shack in Kanana, connected to a network of illegally installed cables.

Teams removed the unauthorised connections and disconnected the supply.

Mangena said residents claimed they had purchased the transformer, but its installation had not followed approved procedures or complied with the required safety standards.

Officials then traced a medium-voltage cable through the settlement to a pole-mounted transformer on Hlanganani Street.

The equipment was located deep within residential structures, making it vulnerable to further illegal connections. Teams disconnected the medium-voltage fuses to secure the transformer and prevent further unauthorised use.

Transformer removed before officials could recover it

City Power said residents alerted to the operation removed another transformer from a site before officials could disconnect and recover it.

Mangena said the incident pointed to what the utility believes is an organised effort to maintain illegal access to electricity and evade enforcement.

Illegal connections can damage infrastructure, overload the electricity network and disrupt supply to customers who pay for their electricity.

Mini substation found forcibly opened

The operation also uncovered illegal connections in Klipfontein View, along Oliver Tambo and Nancy Ndamase streets.

According to City Power, individuals had forcibly opened a mini substation after removing reinforced locks installed by the utility. Illegal connections had subsequently been made to the network.

Officials removed three breakers from the substation and disconnected the unauthorised connections.

A case has been opened with Rabie Ridge police over the forced entry.

City Power warns of further enforcement

Mangena said City Power would continue targeting illegal connections and damage to electricity infrastructure.

The utility maintains that unauthorised connections place additional strain on the network and affect reliable electricity supply to paying customers.

It has warned that people found interfering with its equipment or making illegal connections could face further action, including possible prosecution.

The operation forms part of the utility’s efforts to protect electricity infrastructure and address ongoing supply disruptions in affected communities.

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Source: IOL