City Power, Johannesburg’s municipal electricity utility, has suspended all power restoration and maintenance services in the Mayibuye community. This is due to serious safety concerns for its technicians. This decision follows a recent incident where City Power technicians were held hostage while performing routine maintenance in the area. It highlights escalating risks faced by utility workers on the ground.
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Incident and Immediate Response
On 29 June 2025, City Power confirmed that its technicians were threatened and detained during an operation to address an unplanned power outage in Mayibuye. The outage was caused by network overloading, a problem exacerbated by widespread illegal electricity connections. Tampering with meters in the community also contributed to this issue. The utility stated it cannot continue work until the safety of its personnel is guaranteed by the community and local leadership.
Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, emphasised that the safety of staff is non-negotiable. He said, “We will not allow lawlessness and intimidation to dictate when and how we perform our duties.” Restoration efforts will remain on hold until there is a clear commitment from residents to ensure technician safety. They should also permit a full audit of electricity meters and cooperate in restoring tampered meters.
Underlying Challenges: Illegal Connections and Meter Tampering
City Power revealed that the Mayibuye network is severely compromised due to illegal electricity connections and meter bypassing. Although 1,711 meters were installed in the area in December 2023, only about 500 customers purchase electricity legally. The overwhelming number of tampered meters has led to repeated overloading, causing frequent outages and making reliable power supply difficult.
This pattern of sabotage and violent resistance is not unique to Mayibuye. Similar incidents have occurred in other Johannesburg areas like Alexandra and Riverpark, where technicians faced attacks during lawful maintenance operations. These hostile conditions have forced City Power to suspend services in affected communities to protect its staff.
Impact on the Community
The suspension of services means that Mayibuye residents will continue to experience power outages until the situation improves. City Power has urged the community and local leaders to end unlawful behaviour. They need to work collaboratively to restore power safely and sustainably. The utility warned that any interference with electricity infrastructure is dangerous and illegal. It carries criminal consequences.
Only verified customers will receive assistance through secure channels, as restoring power under current conditions is unsustainable and unsafe. City Power’s appeal stresses that cooperation is essential to prevent further outages and ensure a stable electricity supply.
Broader Context: City Power’s Efforts and Challenges
City Power has been grappling with multiple challenges, including illegal connections, theft, and corruption within its ranks. Over the past year, the utility has conducted extensive internal investigations. These have led to the dismissal and suspension of employees involved in theft and fraud. These efforts aim to improve service delivery and protect infrastructure.
Furthermore, City Power has implemented load reduction strategies in various parts of Johannesburg. This is to manage demand and prevent grid collapse. However, these measures have been suspended temporarily due to lower electricity consumption during festive periods. They might be reinstated if demand rises again.
Power Supply
The suspension of City Power’s services in Mayibuye highlights the complex challenges faced by municipal utilities in high-density urban areas. Illegal electricity connections and tampering not only strain the network but also endanger the safety of technicians. Until the community commits to ensuring the safety of City Power personnel and cooperates fully, restoration efforts will remain on hold. This will prolong power outages and impact residents’ daily lives.
City Power’s firm stance emphasises the need for collective responsibility and lawful behaviour. This is essential to secure reliable electricity supply and protect essential workers. The utility continues to call on Mayibuye residents to engage constructively and prioritise safety for all.
