City Power halts operations in Alexandra after violent attack on technician

City Power has suspended operations in Alexandra following a violent attack on one of its technicians by a group of protesting residents. The incident took place amid ongoing demonstrations over delays in power restoration in the area.

Protest Erupts Over Power Issues

Residents in Alexandra took to the streets on Tuesday to express their frustration with the slow pace of power restoration. Protesters barricaded roads with stones and burning tires, creating a tense and volatile atmosphere.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena reported that the technician was attacked inside the Alexandra Service Delivery Centre while preparing to respond to a power outage affecting customers along 2nd and 7th Avenue.

“This incident is completely unacceptable and represents a gross violation of the rights and safety of our employees,” Mangena stated.

Details of the Attack

The male technician was en route to resolve a local power outage when he was intercepted and assaulted. Mangena did not disclose the extent of the injuries but emphasized the gravity of the attack.

City Power officials have since called for law enforcement to intervene and ensure the safety of their staff.

“We demand swift arrests of the perpetrators and urge the South African Police Service (SAPS) to increase their presence around our service delivery centre to prevent further incidents and protect our infrastructure,” Mangena added.

Operations Halted in Alexandra

As a safety measure, City Power has decided to suspend all operations in Alexandra until further notice. This decision was made to protect its employees from further harm and to avoid any potential damage to infrastructure.

The suspension of services will likely exacerbate existing frustrations within the community, as many residents remain without power. However, City Power has made it clear that it will not risk the safety of its staff until adequate security measures are in place.

Community Tensions and Power Issues

Power supply issues have long been a source of tension in Alexandra, a densely populated township in Johannesburg. Frequent outages, aging infrastructure, and delays in repairs have left many residents feeling neglected and desperate for change.

Protests over service delivery are not uncommon in the area, but Tuesday’s violent turn has escalated tensions between the community and utility providers.

While some residents may view protests as a necessary measure to draw attention to their grievances, City Power has condemned any form of violence or intimidation as counterproductive and illegal.

Call for Community Engagement

City Power has urged the community to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to violence. Mangena emphasized the importance of cooperation between residents and service providers to address ongoing challenges.

“We understand the frustration of our customers in Alexandra, but violence and criminal behavior will not resolve the underlying issues. We remain committed to restoring power and improving service delivery, but we need a safe working environment to do so,” Mangena said.

Increased Law Enforcement Presence

In response to City Power’s appeal, SAPS has been called upon to increase its visibility in the area to deter further incidents. Law enforcement officials are expected to patrol the service delivery center and surrounding streets to ensure the safety of both City Power staff and residents.

Additionally, City Power is working with local authorities to develop a long-term strategy for addressing power-related challenges in Alexandra.

Next Steps

As of now, there is no timeline for when operations will resume in Alexandra. City Power has stated that services will remain suspended until it is confident that its employees can work without fear of harm.

The utility provider has also encouraged residents with information about the attack to come forward and assist law enforcement in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

While Alexandra continues to grapple with power issues and service delays, the violent attack on City Power’s technician highlights the urgent need for improved communication, community engagement, and security measures. Until these are addressed, tensions are likely to remain high.