City Power has strongly condemned the hostage ordeal involving three contracted electricians who were held against their will on the evening of Thursday, 25 June, while carrying out critical repairs at a mini-substation (MSS) in Ennerdale Ext 13.
The incident marks the third hostage-related attack involving City Power personnel in less than two weeks, raising serious concerns over the growing threats facing employees, contractors and security officers performing essential public services.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, said that three contractors were repairing a mini-substation on Realgar Street in Ennerdale Ext 13 when a group of community members barricaded the road with rocks, vehicles and burning tyres, preventing them from leaving the site. The group demanded that electricity be restored to households where City Power had not yet installed electricity meters.
“The contractors were held against their will from approximately 6pm until they were safely released the following morning on Friday, 26 June, following the coordinated intervention of City Power Security Services and the JMPD. No injuries were reported, and all three contractors were released unharmed,” said Mangena.
The hostage ordeal came after several hours of disruptions in the area. Earlier that day, community members also blocked the entrance to the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre, disrupting operations before authorities managed to resolve the situation peacefully.
City Power Acting CEO Charles Tlouane said: “What we are witnessing is completely unacceptable. Whether our employees and contractors are being held hostage while restoring electricity to communities or our security officers are being attacked by criminals stealing critical infrastructure, the outcome is the same. Lives are placed at risk, essential services are disrupted, and communities ultimately suffer.”
He added: “We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that everyone responsible for these criminal acts is identified, arrested and prosecuted.”
Suspicious activity can be reported to the City Power Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911, or 011 490 7553, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497. Information can also be shared anonymously with SAPS.
Mangena said City Power remains committed to protecting its employees, contractors, service providers and critical electricity infrastructure while ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable electricity services to residents and businesses across Johannesburg.
