City Power busts contractor linked syndicate in copper cable theft

Six individuals linked to a City Power contractor were arrested in Fordsburg on Reconciliation Day following an intelligence driven security operation that uncovered the deliberate tampering with essential electricity infrastructure.

City Power confirmed on Wednesday that the arrests were made on Tuesday afternoon during coordinated security patrols along Central and Main Reef Roads. The operation forms part of the utility’s ongoing strategy to protect critical infrastructure amid a sharp rise in cable theft, vandalism and internal security breaches recorded since the start of the new financial year in July 2025.

According to City Power, the suspects were operating under the cover of a legitimate contractor assignment at the time of their arrest. During a routine patrol, the utility’s Armed Response Unit intercepted contractor personnel who were actively cutting underground copper cable. When asked to present authorisation, the individuals failed to produce a valid work order permitting excavation or removal of electricity infrastructure.

Further verification by the Security Risk Management team revealed that the documentation presented only allowed for pavement reinstatement and did not authorise trenching, cable cutting or removal. An inspection of the site showed that nine separate sections of underground copper cable had already been cut.

The total length of the damaged cable measured 24.5 metres of 185 millimetre, three core underground copper cable. Tools associated with infrastructure sabotage, including cutting and digging equipment, were also found at the scene.

City Power confirmed that the same contractor had previously been intercepted at the exact location on 8 December 2025 under similar circumstances. On that occasion, copper cable was recovered and secured at a municipal salvage facility. Despite the earlier intervention, the contractor unlawfully returned to the site.

The six men arrested are between the ages of 18 and 54. Four of the suspects are foreign nationals, while two are South African citizens. They are facing charges related to tampering with essential infrastructure and theft. The suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday, 18 December 2025.

City Power said the incident highlights the growing challenge of infrastructure related crime involving both internal and external role players. Since July 2025, the utility has recorded the arrest of 142 people in connection with similar offences. In addition, five cases involving security guards are currently under investigation.

The incidents have been particularly prevalent in parts of the Inner City, including Bree and Central, as well as other service delivery centres such as Alexandra, Roodepoort and Lenasia. City Power reported that many cases involve forged or misused wayleaves, unauthorised subcontracting and internal collusion. These activities have contributed to prolonged power outages, significant financial losses amounting to millions of rand and increased safety risks for residents and businesses.

City Power Chief Executive Officer Tshifularo Mashava said the involvement of contractor linked individuals in criminal activity represents a serious breach of public trust. She said the arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of the utility’s turnaround strategy aimed at addressing energy losses caused by vandalism, theft and illegal connections.

City Power said it has strengthened security measures through expanded armed patrols, closer cooperation with law enforcement, stricter verification of work orders and enhanced oversight of contractors. The utility warned that contractors found to be complicit in criminal acts face blacklisting, contract termination, civil recovery processes and criminal prosecution.