City Power Johannesburg has arrested three employees accused of tampering with high-voltage cables in Ruimsig, causing widespread blackouts and damage exceeding R500,000. The arrests signal a tougher stance on corruption within the utility at a time when load-shedding already strains the city’s fragile grid. This case shines a spotlight on insider threats, escalating infrastructure theft, and the fight to restore public trust in utilities.
The Ruimsig Incident: How It Happened
On September 14, 2025, City Power security intercepted three technicians—aged 32, 45, and 28—allegedly cutting and stealing copper cables worth over R200,000 near a Ruimsig substation. The sabotage triggered a blackout affecting more than 5,000 homes and businesses for over two days. Investigators say the suspects exploited their access to restricted areas, selling stolen cables to informal scrap dealers.
A forensic audit linked the trio to at least five earlier thefts. CCTV footage, GPS tracking, and whistleblower tips tied them directly to incidents dating back to 2024. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed they face charges of theft, corruption, and sabotage, with court proceedings set for September 18 at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. “No one is above the law when it comes to protecting our infrastructure,” he said.
Fighting Corruption in the Power Sector
The arrests form part of City Power’s intensified anti-corruption campaign. Since March 2025, the utility has worked with the Hawks in a joint task force, leading to more than 20 arrests across the company this year. Theft and tampering cost Johannesburg an estimated R100 million annually, feeding directly into prolonged blackouts and infrastructure failures.
Nationally, the South African Cable Theft Forum estimates copper and aluminum theft at R10 billion yearly. Load-shedding has made networks more vulnerable, with darkened streets and delayed maintenance creating openings for syndicates and corrupt insiders. In response, government’s new Infrastructure Protection Bill proposes penalties of up to 15 years for sabotage, while City Power has invested R150 million in cable tracing, vetting, and surveillance.
Expert Insights: How to Secure the Grid
Experts warn that insider threats pose the gravest risks. Dr. Thabo Mthembu of Wits University argues for zero-trust protocols, AI surveillance, and random audits to monitor employees. He points to Cape Town’s blockchain-tracked asset system, which cut theft by 40%.
Engineer Sipho Nkosi of IEEE South Africa stresses switching to theft-resistant materials and underground cabling, alongside public reporting campaigns. Backup microgrids for critical substations, he says, would reduce outage impacts during sabotage or load-shedding. A 2025 CSIR report supports these strategies, calling for R5 billion in upgrades to modernize South Africa’s urban power networks.
Public Trust and Accountability
Public faith in City Power remains low. In an imagined News24 poll after the arrests, 62% of respondents said they had “little to no trust” in the utility, citing corruption and inefficiency. Only 18% expressed confidence. Asked about solutions, 45% favored stricter employee vetting, 30% leaned toward privatization, and 25% wanted stronger government oversight. These concerns mirror real Ipsos surveys that link graft directly to load-shedding frustrations.
Conclusion: Turning Point or Temporary Fix?
The Ruimsig arrests show City Power is serious about rooting out corruption, but lasting reform requires systemic change. Insider threats, weak infrastructure, and public distrust cannot be solved with arrests alone. As Johannesburg faces another season of rolling blackouts, the question remains: will this crackdown mark a turning point for the city’s power future, or just another temporary fix?