State-owned power utility Eskom on November 30 said an attempted cable theft incident has affected supply to the Bedfordview substation, which supplies the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE's) Bedfordview customers.
Given the extent of the damage, it may take four to five days to restore supply.
Eskom Gauteng spokesperson Amanda Qithi said Eskom has been working around the clock to locate the point where the cable theft occurred, assess the extent of the damage caused and prepare for repairs. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Service for investigation.
"We are engaging the CoE and we will continue to communicate, as more information becomes available on the repairs and restoration of supply," she said.
Eskom recently reported an increase in illegal electricity-related activities in Gauteng, and the power utility has intensified efforts to address the ongoing theft and vandalism of its electricity infrastructure.
Partnering with communities and law enforcement agencies has shown results in the efforts being made, as perpetrators conducting electricity-related criminal acts were arrested recently, she added.
"Members of the public are encouraged to report those conducting illegal electricity-related activities to the law enforcement agencies, the CoE and Eskom. Eskom apologises for the inconvenience caused as it works on restoring supply to the affected substation," Qithi said.