By Everson Luhanga
- City Power teams, backed by police, removed 50,000kg of stolen cables worth R2.5 million and resumed electricity cut-offs in Tshepisong.
- Operations were delayed after officials called off Thursday’s raid, warning that the volatile area posed serious threats to workers’ safety.
City Power returned to Tshepisong on Friday, 25 July, with backup from the police to remove illegal electricity connections and restore some order to the troubled community.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the operation came a day after it was suddenly cancelled due to safety concerns. “A risk assessment by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and Public Order Policing found the area was too dangerous, with threats of violence and intimidation.
“But on Friday, with stronger support from law enforcement, City Power pushed ahead. Workers removed over 50,000kg of illegal aluminium wire and recovered stolen streetlight poles, worth an estimated R2.5 million,” he said.
Mangena said the crackdown forms part of a bigger plan to fix Tshepisong’s power problems. Rampant meter bypassing and illegal connections have pushed the electricity network to the brink, with only 3% of residents paying for power legally.
“Earlier this month, City Power suspended all services in the area after its teams were threatened and even held hostage.
“Now, with power being restored in some parts, officials say residents must prepare to follow the rules. Eskom is handling the first step of getting electricity flowing again, after which City Power will install 12,000 prepaid meters. Once that is done, residents will need to start buying electricity,” Mangena said.
He said poor households can apply for the Free Basic Electricity programme. It offers relief to pensioners, child-headed homes, the unemployed and anyone earning less than R7,503.01 a month. Those who qualify will be spared from paying monthly service and network charges, saving up to R200.
“To register, people must bring their ID, meter number, proof of income, address and a City of Johannesburg rates bill. Bank statements and Sassa documents will also be needed.”
Between January and May, the city installed over 20 new pole-mounted transformers in the area, each worth R400,000. But cable theft and illegal hookups have continued, costing the city millions and putting more lives at risk.
Mangena said the entity officials will monitor the area weekly. “If any illegal wires are found again, power will be cut for much longer. They also warned that if their teams face threats, they will leave the area and stop work immediately.
The city has called on residents to protect infrastructure and report cable thieves by calling 011 490 7900 or messaging 083 579 4497 on WhatsApp.
Pictured above: Law enforcement and City Power during Friday’s raid in Tshepisong.
Image source: City Power
