Police engage in gun battle with armed cable theft suspects at Fordsburg substation

Police engage in gun battle with armed cable theft suspects at Fordsburg substation! A dramatic shootout unfolded at the Fordsburg Substation in Johannesburg after heavily armed suspects were caught attempting to steal cables. The intense confrontation with police occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the community.

Suspicious Activity Detected

According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the ordeal began late Sunday night, February 23, 2025, when security personnel noticed suspicious movements inside the underground tunnels of the substation.

“Upon investigation, we discovered suspects using a hacksaw to cut the cables. The glimmer of flashlights in the dark tunnels was a clear sign that criminal activity was underway,” said Mangena.

Given the high risk of an ambush, security officials held back and called for police backup before making a move.

Gun Battle Erupts in Fordsburg

When officers finally arrived on the scene, they encountered a group of armed suspects hiding behind an abandoned building near Main Reef Bridge. The moment the police engaged the suspects, a fierce gun battle broke out.

“The police exchanged fire with the heavily armed criminals, but due to the intensity of the attack, they had to retreat momentarily to collect additional ammunition and rifles,” Mangena explained.

By the time police returned at 1:30 AM, the suspects had vanished into the night. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Cable Theft: A Growing Crisis

This incident is part of a disturbing trend of escalating cable theft and infrastructure sabotage in Johannesburg. Mangena confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for at least eleven armed suspects linked to multiple attacks on City Power infrastructure.

Other Recent Attacks

The Fordsburg incident is just one of many cases of violent cable theft in recent weeks. On February 7, 2025, three armed men stormed the Alexandra Security and Dispatch Centre, holding two female security officers at gunpoint. The attackers stole their personal belongings, leaving one officer suffering from an asthma attack, requiring immediate medical attention.

On February 9, 2025, eight gunmen attempted to steal cables from the Klipfontein Substation in Midrand. When security officers confronted them, the suspects opened fire before escaping into the bush.

Authorities Respond

The Sandringham police department is now treating these incidents as armed robberies.

“City Power, in collaboration with law enforcement, remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing these criminals to justice,” said Mangena.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity and assist police in identifying the suspects.

The Cost of Cable Theft

Cable theft is one of the biggest challenges facing Johannesburg’s electricity and transport infrastructure. These crimes not only lead to widespread power outages but also result in millions of rands in damage and repairs.

City Power has ramped up security measures, including:

• Increased patrols around substations
• Installing surveillance cameras in high-risk areas
• Working closely with law enforcement agencies

Despite these efforts, criminal syndicates continue to target essential infrastructure, often using high-powered weapons to defend their illegal operations.

Public Safety Concerns

Residents in areas affected by these attacks have expressed concerns about personal safety and service disruptions. Many feel that cable theft is worsening and have called for stronger police intervention.

One Fordsburg resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said:

“We live in fear because these criminals are heavily armed. If they can shoot at police, what stops them from attacking ordinary citizens?”

Ongoing Investigations

As the manhunt for the suspects continues, City Power and the police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Authorities remain hopeful that with increased law enforcement collaboration and public awareness, these violent cable theft syndicates will eventually be dismantled.

For now, however, Johannesburg remains under threat, as criminals target vital infrastructure, causing disruptions and putting lives at risk.