ENOCH MGIJIMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY CONDEMNS THE THEFT OF CABLES AND VANDALISM AT QUEENDUSTRIA SUBSTATION
MEDIA STATEMENT For immediate release 15 July 2026 Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality strongly condemns the theft of electrical cables and the vandalism of the Queendustria Substation, which occurred during the night of 14 July 2026. The incident has resulted in an unplanned power interruption affecting all areas supplied by the substation. The stolen cables and damaged components form part of the substation’s electrical protection system, which safeguards the electricity network and enables the safe and reliable distribution of power. The full extent of the damage cannot be determined at this stage. Municipal technical teams are on site. Urgent procurement processes, undertaken in terms of the emergency provisions of the Municipality’s Supply Chain Management Policy, are underway to appoint specialist service providers who will verify the extent of the damage and advise the Municipality on the quickest possible means of restoring the electricity supply safely. The Municipality is consequently not in a position to provide a restoration timeframe at this stage. A realistic timeframe will be communicated as soon as the specialist assessment has been completed. Residents and businesses are advised to prepare for an extended interruption. The affected areas are: • Komani Park • Queensview Park • Laurie Dashwood Park • Ezibeleni • Sandringham • New Rest • Army Base The Municipality understands the serious impact that a prolonged electricity interruption has on households, businesses and essential services. Every effort will be made to restore the electricity supply as soon as it is safe and technically possible to do so. A criminal case has been opened with the South African Police Service. The Municipality calls upon law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. The theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure place an additional financial burden on the Municipality and its residents. Funds that should be applied to service delivery and community development must instead be redirected to the replacement and repair of damaged infrastructure. The Municipality appeals to residents and businesses to assist in protecting public infrastructure. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity near substations, transformers, electrical installations or other municipal infrastructure is urged to report it immediately to the Municipality on 045 807 6000. The Municipality thanks affected residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation while this matter receives urgent attention. Further updates will be communicated through the Municipality’s official communication platforms. ENDS Issued by: Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality Media enquiries: Sandiso Gcobo Communications Officer Cell: 061 197 6205 Email: communications@enochmgijima.gov.za