Three security guards contracted by a third party to secure the Lilian Ngoyi construction site in the Inner City were expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with theft of close to 50 metres of copper cable.
The guards, employed by a security firm with no ties to City Power, were nabbed in the early hours of Sunday, after the utility’s security personnel discovered several pieces of cable while patrolling along Von Brandis and Lilian Ngoyi streets in the Inner City.
This area has been under stringent security since a methane gas explosion on July 19, 2023, and is being repaired as part of the Lilian Ngoyi Street Rehabilitation Project.
The utility said its security management team learned that the cables that were on site had been moved without authorisation that morning.
An armed security team from City Power was dispatched to take a closer look into what had happened. Upon arrival, the third-party private security personnel denied them access to the construction site.
The entity immediately reported this to the Essential Infrastructure Task Team of the SAPS.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena said: “With the help of the police, we managed to eventually gain entry. During the search, police found 20 pieces of 185 mm 3-core copper cables, totalling approximately 47.3 metres. The security officers claimed that the cables had been thrown into the enclosure by unknown individuals, but a review of their occurrence book revealed no record of this incident.”
He said as a result, three security officers from the security firm were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen copper cables and tampering with essential infrastructure.
A criminal case was filed at Johannesburg Central Police Station. The officers were detained and were scheduled to appear in court today.
“City Power wishes to assure the public that the arrested officers were not employed by the security company contracted by the entity. Our investigation into the theft of copper cables continues, and we remain committed to strengthening our security measures to prevent future indents,” said Mangena.
Meanwhile, two City Power contractors were arrested over the weekend after they were caught in possession of copper materials. The first suspect was handcuffed after being found in possession of four bag size pieces of 630mm x 1 core copper cable in the inner city. The second suspect was nailed in the same area after the same quantity of copper cable was found hidden in his water boots, during inspection.
On Monday, another suspect was arrested in Roodepoort, in connection with possession of stolen goods and tampering with essential infrastructure. The suspect was apprehended during a raid at a metal scrap yard.
Mangena said these cases underscored City Power’s commitment to protecting essential infrastructure, and ensuring accountability for those involved in such crimes.
“We would like to thank members of the Essential Infrastructure Task Team for their timely intervention every time when they are called upon. This will go a long way in the fight against the scourge of theft and vandalism,” he said.
The Star