City Power employee, former sub-contractor nabbed for stealing copper cables

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A 30-year-old City Power employee, along with a former subcontractor have been arrested for attempting to steal copper cables in Randburg on Thursday afternoon.

The electrician working at the Randburg Service Delivery Centre was caught red-handed, in the middle of unearthing a 90-metre-long cable, valued at over R100 000. 

The power provider said it is not surprised by this development as it has always stressed suspicion of internal employees and contractors who are collaborating with those responsible for ravaging their infrastructure.

According to spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the said employee was working with a crew from a former sub-contractor in Cedar Creek.

“The sub-contractor in question is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the entity on a separate matter where he is attempting to sue City Power for an on-duty injury.

“The trenching and cutting of an MV cable happened during daylight, with City Power branded vehicle on site along with a TLB, to create an impression that the work was legitimate and sanctioned by the entity.

“When the employee was caught working in an area that was not assigned to him, he confessed to our officials on site, that he was asked by the former contractor to come and assist in removing the cable in exchange for money.

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— @CityPowerJhb (@CityPowerJhb) December 21, 2023

Mangena stated that while they are deeply concerned by the news, they are pleased that the internal processes coupled with collaboration with communities is starting to bear fruits.

He continued; “The area of Randburg has in recent weeks, suffered many incidents of rampant theft and vandalism, which have unfortunately left our residents without power, often for prolonged days.

“This arrest comes at the back of a meeting that was held this week between residents, councillors, and City Power officials in Randburg. The meeting is part of the campaign to discuss work with communities  in mitigating against the rampant scourge of cable theft and vandalism across the city.

“Coincidentally, in that Randburg meeting, we urged residents to be vigilant and always ask for a permit whenever they see people working on our network, even if they are wearing City Power clothing and carrying legitimate work accessories cards.”

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Mangena further revealed that they have discovered that this is the modus operandi that is being used to mask the heinous crime, particularly during broad daylight.

“As previously mentioned, we are inching closer on all internal collaborators of these crimes.

“This week our Group Executive Charles Mohlakoana-Tlouane launched an internal probe to expose any internal linkages to what looks like an organised criminal syndicate targeting City Power infrastructure. 

“A criminal case has been opened in this recent case, and an internal disciplinary process will also start.”