Man Suspected of Cable Theft Dies After Electrocution at City Power Facility in Booysens Reserve

Thabo Molefe Published 13 hours ago

2 min read

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A man suspected of attempting to steal electrical cables has died after being found inside a medium-voltage electrical chamber at a City Power facility in Booysens Reserve, Johannesburg, on Thursday morning, 22 October 2026.

According to the information provided by City Power, personnel responded to reports of an unresponsive man at the facility near the corner of Mentz Street at approximately 09:20.

The man was discovered inside the electrical chamber after its main access door had allegedly been forced open. A cable-cutting tool was reportedly found in his possession.

The circumstances indicate a suspected attempt to access or steal electrical infrastructure, although the allegations must be distinguished from any findings that may emerge from the investigation.

Electricity Supply Temporarily Interrupted

The incident resulted in a temporary interruption to electricity supply affecting nine load centres while police investigated the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The interruption was necessary while the incident was being investigated and the affected infrastructure was dealt with.

City Power confirmed that electricity supply had been restored to all affected customers by Thursday afternoon.

Dangers of Tampering With Electrical Infrastructure

The incident highlights the potentially fatal consequences of entering restricted electrical facilities or interfering with live electricity infrastructure.

Medium-voltage electrical equipment carries dangerous levels of electricity capable of causing fatal electric shocks and severe burns. Such facilities are not safe to enter without proper authorisation, training and protective equipment.

Cable theft and vandalism also affect communities and businesses by damaging essential infrastructure, interrupting electricity supply and requiring costly repairs.

The impact can extend beyond the immediate location of an incident, particularly when damaged equipment or stolen cables affect electricity distribution networks serving multiple areas.

City Power Issues Warning to Residents

City Power has urged residents to report suspicious activity around substations, electrical chambers and other electricity infrastructure.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from restricted electrical facilities and avoid touching exposed cables, damaged equipment or any suspected electrical hazards.

Suspicious activity should be reported to the relevant authorities rather than confronted directly, as approaching live electrical infrastructure can place lives at risk.

The man’s death remains a serious reminder of the dangers associated with suspected cable theft and interference with essential electricity infrastructure.

Further details about the man’s identity and the outcome of the police investigation had not been established from the information available for this report.