PICS: City Power snips izinyokanyoka!

CITY Power technicians cut izinyokanyoka at the Princess informal settlement in Roodepoort, Gauteng on Tuesday, 21 January.

This was part of efforts to stop electricity theft and prevent damage to infrastructure.

City Power spokesman Isaac Mangena said: “During the operation, technicians took away 150 kilograms of aluminium wires worth half a million rand.

“The operation focused on illegal connections at the settlement and properties along Albertina Sisulu Road. These included a panel beater shop, bakery, and a creche.”

He said they found wires dangerously connected to streetlights and fences to make unauthorised power supplies. Often linked to formal houses and businesses, these connections overload circuits, damage infrastructure, and are very unsafe.

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Mangena stressed the life-threatening dangers of illegal connections, which have caused several deaths, including among kids and the elderly.

“Removing illegal connections is not just about stolen electricity but about saving lives. The methods used by the community are unsafe, especially for children,” he said.

City Power has already completed two phases of electrification projects in the area and is waiting for the Department of Human Settlements to approve formal electricity connections for parts still without power.

This initiative shows ongoing efforts to provide safe and reliable electricity and addresses the challenges faced by informal settlements.