In a dramatic turn of events, City Power has reinstated electricity supply to the River Park community in Alexandra, Johannesburg, following a five-day blackout precipitated by a hostage situation involving utility officials. The reconnection comes with a stipulation: each household must pay R2,000 towards electricity purchases, a figure notably lower than standard reconnection fees.
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Hostage Incident Sparks Area-Wide Disconnection
On Thursday, 29 May 2025, City Power teams arrived in River Park to conduct meter audits and disconnections. Residents, angry over ongoing electricity problems, allegedly tried to hold the officials hostage. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said the staff’s safety was at serious risk due to intimidation and blocked roads. To protect the team, City Power cut electricity to the entire area.
Negotiations Lead to Conditional Power Restoration
In the days that followed, City Power met with local leaders and the ward councillor to resolve the issue. On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the utility restored electricity to River Park. This came with a condition: each household must pay R2,000 for electricity purchases. The company reduced the amount compared to standard reconnection fees to encourage cooperation and improve community relations.
Emphasis on Lawful Conduct and Safety
City Power has emphasized that payments should only be made through authorized electricity vendors and not to individuals. The utility company condemned the unlawful behavior witnessed during the operation but acknowledged the importance of constructive dialogue with residents. Mashava reiterated the company’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law and protecting employees who work under challenging and often dangerous conditions to bring services to communities.
Ongoing Challenges in Alexandra
The River Park incident is part of a broader pattern of challenges faced by City Power in Alexandra. In April 2025, technicians were held hostage in Vezinyawo, another area within Alexandra, during an operation to install prepaid meters. Residents seized the keys to three City Power contractor vehicles, demanding the restoration of power before returning the keys. City Power responded by suspending all restoration work in the area until the meters were installed and registered, and the working environment was secured for employees and contractors.
Additionally, City Power has faced incidents of technicians being robbed at gunpoint while on duty in Alexandra. In one case, two electricians were robbed of their personal belongings, including cellphones and wallets, by four unknown assailants. These incidents have led to the temporary withdrawal of technicians from the area, further complicating service delivery.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The River Park community’s response to the reconnection and payment requirement has been mixed. While some residents have complied with the payment condition, others have expressed frustration over the handling of electricity issues and the perceived lack of communication from City Power. Community leaders have pledged to educate residents on peaceful protests and address power supply issues through meetings and awareness campaigns.
City Power has called on community leaders, residents, and law enforcement to work together to identify and apprehend perpetrators of violence and intimidation against utility staff. The utility company has also warned that if the situation in areas like Vezinyawo is not addressed urgently, similar service limitations will be implemented, severely affecting residents’ access to electricity services.
As City Power continues to navigate the complex dynamics of service delivery in Alexandra, the utility company’s focus remains on ensuring the safety of its employees and the reliable provision of electricity to all residents.
