City Power has condemned the alleged arson attack on a mini substation in Fleurhof, Roodepoort, warning that repeated attacks on electricity infrastructure could be linked to organised criminal activity and suspected sabotage.

Thembelihle Mabanga

Content Head

City Power has condemned an arson attack on a mini substation in Extension 31, Fleurhof, Roodepoort, which was set alight in the early hours of Saturday, 10 October 2026.

In a statement, City Power said two individuals allegedly entered the site unlawfully and set the electricity infrastructure on fire at approximately 02:15.

Security personnel spotted the intruders and called for backup. The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded and arranged assistance from Emergency Management Services (EMS), which extinguished the fire.

During investigations, security personnel were reportedly informed at a nearby Shell garage that a man had purchased R70 worth of petrol around midnight before walking towards the scene.

City Power said the information was still being investigated to determine whether the petrol purchase was linked to the attack.

The incident comes amid repeated cases of vandalism and theft targeting electricity infrastructure across Roodepoort.

Between January and June 2026, 16 mini substations were vandalised in the area. City Power estimates that replacing these units would cost between R11.2 million and R12.8 million, excluding labour and restoration expenses.

Other incidents have affected electricity infrastructure at Reefhaven Switching Station, Ruimsig Substation and Reyger Switching Station in Witpoortjie.

In August, six switchgear units were reportedly removed from their panels and vandalised at Reyger Switching Station. Two suspects were arrested on 17 August following an undercover operation.

City Power has called for an intelligence-led investigation into possible links between the attacks, warning that organised criminal networks could be targeting strategic electricity installations.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Tlouane condemned the latest incident and called for urgent police intervention.

“We condemn this barbaric act. Deliberately setting a mini substation alight destroys an essential service and leaves communities to suffer the consequences,” said Tlouane.

He urged police to strengthen intelligence gathering, accelerate arrests and investigate who may be organising, financing and carrying out the attacks.

City Power said 1,054 infrastructure-related incidents were recorded across its network during the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 1,138 in 2024/25.

The entity spent approximately R235.4 million repairing infrastructure damaged by theft and vandalism during the 2024/25 financial year.

It warned that repeated attacks in Roodepoort were diverting resources from planned maintenance and network improvements while exposing security personnel, technical teams and emergency responders to danger.

Residents and businesses have been urged to report suspicious activity around electricity installations.

Suspicious activity can be reported to City Power's Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911 or 011 490 7553, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497. Criminal activity should also be reported to SAPS.

City Power said the extent of the damage and the impact on electricity supply were still being assessed. Preliminary reports indicate that Legacy Hill may also be affected, with further updates expected once the information has been verified.