The heart of Joburg’s central business district (CBD) experienced significant disruption over the weekend after a destructive underground fire broke out, leading to widespread power outages. On Saturday, sections of Raheema Moosa Street in Joburg were cordoned off after a fire tore through a tunnel, severely damaging underground infrastructure.
The blaze, which impacted crucial electrical cables beneath the city streets, plunged several parts of downtown Joburg into darkness and disrupted operations for businesses and residents alike. Emergency teams worked swiftly to secure the area and prevent further risk, while City Power began preparations to assess the damage and initiate repair efforts.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed on Sunday that their teams now have access to the underground tunnel where the fire occurred. Cleanup operations were expected to commence early Monday morning, following clearance from emergency services.
“The clearance issued by the emergency services allows City Power to commence with the damage assessment and look at the affected areas,” said Mangena. “We can now quantify the amount of material needed and begin the necessary repairs to restore electricity. It also allows us to carry out mop-up operations and clean the debris that remains underground.”
These operations are a crucial step toward restoring normalcy in Joburg’s busy CBD, a hub for commerce, public services, and thousands of daily commuters.
Suspected Cause: Cable Theft by Illegal Miners in Joburg
Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been sparked by illegal mining activity, commonly referred to as “zama zamas”, operating dangerously close to the city’s electrical infrastructure. It’s believed that the suspects were attempting to steal copper cables—an ongoing problem in Joburg and other parts of South Africa.
Cable theft has long been a threat to the city’s power grid, resulting in frequent outages, high repair costs, and safety hazards for residents. In this case, the consequences were especially severe due to the fire’s proximity to a densely populated area and key business district.
Local law enforcement agencies have been called in to support investigations into the cause of the fire and determine whether the incident can be linked directly to illegal mining operations in the area.
The incident caused power outages across several blocks in central Joburg, affecting small businesses, residential buildings, traffic signals, and public services. Residents in affected areas reported being without electricity for hours on Saturday and into Sunday.
Small business owners expressed frustration over the recurring disruptions caused by infrastructure damage and cable theft. “It’s really difficult to operate like this,” said one shop owner on Rahima Moosa Street. “We lose customers, we lose stock, and there’s no telling when the power will be back.”
City Power has urged residents and businesses in affected areas to remain patient while technicians work to assess the full scope of the damage. Restoration timelines will depend on the severity of the damage and the availability of repair materials.
In response to the growing crisis of infrastructure vandalism and theft, City Power has appealed to Joburg residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near power installations. Authorities emphasise that protecting public infrastructure requires cooperation between utility providers, law enforcement, and the public.
Mangena reiterated that efforts are ongoing not only to repair the damage but also to strengthen the city’s defenses against future incidents. “We are working closely with the City of Johannesburg and other stakeholders to address these security issues and minimise the risk of recurrence,” he said.
The City of Johannesburg has pledged to take stronger action against criminal groups targeting critical infrastructure. Increased patrols, surveillance, and community awareness campaigns are part of a broader strategy to prevent future incidents like the tunnel fire.
City officials also stated that the safety of residents and the protection of infrastructure remain top priorities. “We will not allow criminal activity to continue to undermine essential services in our city,” said a spokesperson for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.
The recent fire on Raheema Moosa Street serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Joburg’s infrastructure. While cleanup and repair work are now underway, the broader issue of cable theft and illegal mining continues to challenge city officials and service providers.
As City Power begins the restoration process, residents and business owners in Joburg remain hopeful that these efforts will be swift and effective. For now, patience, cooperation, and vigilance are crucial as the city recovers from yet another blow to its already strained power network.
Source- EWN
