City Power security officers exchange fire with alleged cable thieves in Reuven
City Power says two suspected cable thieves fled after exchanging fire with tactical security officers at its Reuven premises, prompting renewed efforts to secure vulnerable electricity sites.
City Power security personnel exchanged gunfire with individuals suspected of stealing electrical cables at their Reuven facility in the South of Johannesburg. The incident occurred at around 6am on Tuesday. City Power General Manager Issac Mangena stated that the thieves initially gained entry by breaching a concrete wall surrounding the building.
Once inside, they stole cables before opening fire on the security guards. The security officers returned fire, hitting the suspects but not seriously injuring any of them. No thefts were made off. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and City Power's security team arrived at the scene and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the two alleged culprits.
City Power's Acting CEO, Charles Tlouane, expressed shock at the attack on their security personnel and vowed that the perpetrators would be held accountable. He emphasized that crimes against City Power's infrastructure will not be tolerated. Tlouane noted that this incident took place two days after two criminals received 15 years' imprisonment in Magistrate's Court for tampering with essential electricity infrastructure in Turffontein.
Another suspect was arrested on Sunday near Heronmere Road in Reuven, found in possession of stolen copper cables. Preliminary investigations suggest the latest thief also broke through the perimeter wall to gain access. Tlouane said the attacks have exposed weaknesses at critical electricity sites, and City Power plans to strengthen security measures around vulnerable facilities, repair damaged perimeter walls, and enhance protection of critical assets.
The company has already invested over R235 million in 2025/2026 financial year on repairing infrastructure damaged by theft and vandalism. City Power pledged ongoing collaboration with the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and other stakeholders to boost security, improve theft detection, and investigate crimes related to infrastructure.
They urged the community to assist by reporting any suspicious activity near electricity installations.
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