Simon Majadibodu|Published
Residents of the Kanana informal settlement and the Klipfontein area of Midrand have been left without electricity after City Power disconnected illegal connections and recovered cables and transformers worth an estimated R2.5 million.
The operation was conducted on October 12, with City Power removing about one tonne of cables valued at approximately R500 000 and recovering two transformers with a combined estimated value of R2 million.
The operation was carried out in support of the Rabie Ridge South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and City Power officials.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said illegal connections in the areas had repeatedly disrupted electricity supply to customers in Rabie Ridge Extensions 1, 2, 3 and 5.
“In Kanana, our teams discovered a 6.6 kVA transformer that had been placed inside a shack and connected to a large network of illegally installed cables,” Mangena said. The teams removed the unauthorised cables and disconnected the supply.
Although residents claimed to have purchased the transformer, Mangena said its installation had not followed any approved processes or complied with safety standards.
Mangena said the teams continued their search by tracing a medium-voltage cable through the settlement until they located a pole-mounted transformer on Hlanganani Street.
The transformer was situated deep among residential structures, where it was vulnerable to further illegal connections.
The teams disconnected the medium-voltage fuses to secure the equipment and prevent further unauthorised use.
During the operation, residents who had been alerted to the teams’ presence removed one transformer from a site before officials could disconnect and recover it.
“This deliberate action confirms that those involved are operating as an organised network that actively seeks to maintain illegal access and evade enforcement,” Mangena said.
In Klipfontein View, along Oliver Tambo and Nancy Ndamase streets, City Power officials discovered that people had forcibly opened a mini substation after removing reinforced locks previously installed by the power utility and had connected illegally to the network.
City Power officials removed three breakers from the mini substation and disconnected the illegal connections, and a case has been opened with Rabie Ridge police in connection with the forced entry.
Mangena said the utility remained determined to clamp down on organised criminal operations that damaged electricity infrastructure, overloaded the network and deprived paying customers of a reliable supply.
“We will continue intensive enforcement operations to dismantle illegal connections, protect the system and ensure that only those who pay for electricity receive supply.
“Anyone involved in unauthorised connections or interference with our equipment will face further action and possible prosecution,” Mangena added.