DStv Channel 403 Saturday, 21 February 2026

Cape Town residents left in darkness amid alleged torching of electricity boxes

CAPE TOWN - Although South Africa has been spared loadshedding for some time, some Cape Town residents are still battling with their power supply due to vandalism.

Residents of Mandalay's Auber Avenue woke up on Tuesday morning to no power. 

That evening, a homeowner captured a video of people fiddling with a kiosk electricity box. 

Moments later, the mini-substation caught fire. Residents claim they've reported 40 similar attacks since last year. 

READ | Power cuts fuel cable theft, says Ekurhuleni Energy MMC

Some residents claim that even on Thursday, people were caught in the act. 

The continued power outages mean medication and food are now at risk. 

Eskom confirmed that interruptions in Mandalay have been caused by theft and vandalism of infrastructure, particularly kiosks. 

The power utility said their teams are on the ground carrying replacements, with further work schedule to continue on Saturday."

 

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