Johannesburg – A mini substation at Extension 31 in Fleurhof, Roodepoort, has been deliberately set on fire.
This arson incident follows repeated attacks on electricity infrastructure across Roodepoort.
Responding to the arson attack, City Power said it “condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric attack on its mini substation at Extension 31 in Fleurhof, Roodepoort”.
The arson attack took place at about 02h15 on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, City Power said a preliminary security report found that two individuals unlawfully entered the site and set the mini substation alight.
Security personnel spotted the intruders and requested backup.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded and arranged assistance from Emergency Management Services (EMS), which extinguished the fire.
“During enquiries at a nearby Shell garage, security personnel were informed that a man had purchased R70 worth of petrol around midnight and walked in the direction of the incident site,” the statement said.
“This information requires further investigation to establish whether the purchase was linked to the attack.”
City Power has repeatedly raised the alarm about the targeting of electricity infrastructure in Roodepoort.
In June 2026, we communicated our concerns following an attempted act of vandalism at a mini substation in Fleurhof.
“We warned that the frequency, coordination and destructive nature of the incidents pointed to possible organised syndicate involvement,” the statement said.
“From January to June 2026, 16 mini substations were vandalised across Roodepoort.
“Each unit costs between R700 000 and R800 000 to replace, excluding labour and associated restoration costs.”
City Power said replacing the 16 units costs between R11.2 million and R12.8 million, plus additional restoration expenses and subsequent attacks.
Theft and vandalism at the Reefhaven Switching Station disrupted electricity supply to Lindhaven and Grobler Park, while a separate incident at the Ruimsig Substation affected Welgeheuwel and Honeydew.
In August, the Reyger Switching Station in Witpoortjie was targeted. Six switchgear units were removed from their panels and vandalised.
Preliminary investigations indicated that intruders gained access through a broken section of the perimeter fence and forced entry into the building.
Oil was also found spilled inside the station.
Two suspects were arrested on 17 August 2026 following a coordinated undercover operation.
Following these incidents, City Power again warned about suspected acts of deliberate sabotage and called for an intelligence-led investigation into possible links between attacks on strategic electricity installations.
“We stressed the need for law enforcement to look beyond individual incidents and establish whether organised criminal networks were directing the attacks,” the City Power statement said.
“The burning of the Fleurhof mini substation now adds to this disturbing sequence.
“The deliberate use of fire to destroy electricity equipment heightens our concern that the attacks are becoming more destructive and extend beyond stealing valuable components.”
Such actions can cripple electricity supply and sabotage government services that communities depend on.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Tlouane condemned the attack and called for urgent police intervention.
“We condemn this barbaric act,” said Tlouane.
“Deliberately setting a mini substation alight destroys an essential service and leaves communities to suffer the consequences.
“We have repeatedly warned about suspected sabotage in Roodepoort, and this latest attack strengthens our call for urgent police intervention.
“We regard the deliberate destruction of essential public infrastructure as a crime against the state and its people.
“SAPS must heighten intelligence gathering, speed up arrests and investigate the links between these attacks to establish who is organising, financing and carrying them out.”
City Power called for the Fleurhof attack to be investigated alongside previous incidents in Roodepoort, with particular attention to possible common perpetrators and methods.
“The repeated targeting of mini substations, switching stations and substations demands a coordinated police response,” the statement said.
“Investigations must establish whether organised syndicates are behind these attacks and pursue everyone involved, including those who plan and facilitate the crimes.
“The arrests at Reyger must support wider efforts to uncover any links and dismantle the networks responsible.”
Across the City Power network, 1 054 infrastructure-related incidents were recorded during the 2025/26 financial year, following 1,138 in 2024/25.
City Power said it spent approximately R235.4 million repairing infrastructure damaged by theft and vandalism during 2024/25.
These direct repair costs exclude the wider losses suffered by communities and businesses during electricity interruptions.
“In Roodepoort, repeated attacks force City Power to divert funds and teams from planned maintenance and network improvements into emergency repairs,” the statement revealed.
“Equipment intended to serve communities for years is destroyed within minutes, leaving customers to endure further outages while supply infrastructure is rebuilt.
“These attacks also place security personnel, technical teams and emergency responders at risk.”
City Power urges residents, businesses, community policing forums and neighbourhood security structures to help protect electricity installations by reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Reports can be made to City Power’s Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911 or 011 490 7553, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.
Criminal activity should also be reported to SAPS.
The extent of the damage from the latest Fleurhof attack and the full impact on electricity supply were still being established.
Preliminary reports suggest that Legacy Hill may also be affected.
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