Six arrested as City Power intensifies patrols against sabotage

Six individuals linked to a City Power contractor have been arrested after being caught allegedly cutting an underground copper cable during an intelligence-driven security operation in Fordsburg.

- Oratile Mashilo

City Power said the men were arrested on Tuesday, during coordinated patrols along Central and Main Reef roads as part of intensified efforts to protect electricity infrastructure amid a sharp rise in cable theft, vandalism and internal security breaches since the start of the 2025-26 financial year.

According to the utility, City Power's Armed Response Unit intercepted the group while they were “actively cutting underground copper cable” during a routine patrol.

“When requested, the team failed to produce a valid work order authorising any excavation or removal of electrical infrastructure,” City Power said.

After verification, the security risk management team confirmed the documentation presented “only permitted pavement reinstatement and did not authorise trenching, cable cutting or removal”.