Table of Contents
By Mpho Moloi
City Power has suspended all electricity restoration and services in Vezinyawo, Alexandra, following a shocking incident where its technicians were attacked and kidnapped while installing meters. The utility company announced the decision on 28 April 2025, citing the need to ensure the safety of its employees amid rising tensions in the area. The move has sparked concerns over electricity access for residents, while highlighting the broader challenges of infrastructure maintenance and illegal connections in Johannesburg’s underserved communities.
A Hostile Incident Halts Operations
On Monday, City Power technicians working in Vezinyawo, a densely populated area in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, were confronted by several individuals demanding immediate restoration of electricity. According to a statement issued by City Power, the group seized the keys to three of the utility’s vehicles, effectively holding the technicians hostage and obstructing their work. The incident has been described as a “hostage incident” by the utility, raising alarm about the safety of workers in high-risk areas.
City Power immediately dispatched its Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), and Tactical Support Services (TSS) teams to the scene. Tow trucks were also deployed to retrieve the stranded vehicles. Following the rescue of the technicians, a criminal case was opened at Alexandra SAPS, and the matter is now under police investigation.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena condemned the actions, stating, “Criminality and intimidation of our staff will not be tolerated. We are committed to enforcing the rule of law and protecting our employees who work daily under difficult and often dangerous conditions to bring services to communities.” He added that the utility will not resume any restoration work or services in Vezinyawo until all meters are installed, registered, and the working environment is deemed safe for employees.
The Context: Ongoing Tensions in Alexandra
The incident in Vezinyawo is the latest in a series of challenges faced by City Power in Alexandra, a township grappling with chronic infrastructure issues, illegal electricity connections, and service delivery protests. Areas like Riverpark, Rable Ridge, and Naturena have also experienced similar service limitations due to threats against City Power teams. The utility has been rolling out prepaid electricity meters across Alexandra to curb illegal connections and ensure payment for services, a move that has met with resistance from some residents.
“We want to reiterate that City Power will not proceed with any restoration work or any other services in Vezinyawo until all meters are installed, and the working environment is secured for our employees and contractors,” the statement read. Mangena urged community leaders, residents, and law enforcement to collaborate with City Power to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
The utility also clarified that the suspension in Vezinyawo will not affect broader meter installations and normalisation services in other parts of Alexandra, such as Riverpark and Rable Ridge. However, in Vezinyawo specifically, residents now face the risk of prolonged electricity outages, with City Power insisting that services will only resume once the area is deemed safe and compliant with meter installation requirements.
The Bigger Picture: Electricity Challenges in Alexandra
Alexandra, home to over 180,000 residents, has long struggled with electricity access due to a combination of aging infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and widespread illegal connections. According to a 2023 report by the City of Johannesburg, illegal connections cost the city an estimated R2 billion annually in lost revenue, while also posing significant safety risks such as fires and electrocutions. In Alexandra alone, over 60% of households are estimated to use illegal connections, often referred to as “izinyoka” (snakes), to access electricity.
City Power’s meter installation programme aims to address these issues by ensuring that all residents pay for electricity, thereby generating revenue to maintain and upgrade the grid. However, the programme has faced pushback from communities who argue that prepaid meters are unaffordable, especially for low-income households. Protests over service delivery in Alexandra have been a recurring issue, with residents often citing unemployment, poverty, and lack of housing as barriers to paying for utilities.
The Vezinyawo incident underscores the tension between City Power’s mandate to enforce payment and the socio-economic realities faced by residents. Community activist Thabo Mokoena told local media that while residents condemn the attack on technicians, many feel frustrated by the lack of affordable electricity options. “People here are struggling to survive. They want electricity, but they can’t afford the meters. This creates a cycle of conflict,” he said.
Safety Concerns for Utility Workers
The attack on City Power technicians highlights a growing safety crisis for utility workers across South Africa. In 2024, Eskom reported over 50 incidents of assault, intimidation, and vandalism against its employees, often linked to disputes over load-shedding and illegal connections. City Power has faced similar challenges, with technicians in areas like Soweto and Eldorado Park reporting threats and violence during routine maintenance.
Mangena appealed to residents to report any suspicious activity to City Power’s Risk Control Centre on 0800 002 527. “We appeal to the residents of Vezinyawo to work with us, not against us, in ensuring reliable, legal, and safe electricity supply for all,” he said. “We urge those with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects who held our technicians hostage to come forward.”
The utility has also called for stronger law enforcement measures to protect workers, including increased police patrols in high-risk areas. The JMPD and SAPS have committed to working with City Power to ensure the safety of technicians, but community cooperation remains critical to resolving the issue.
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